Innovative hybrid membrane: Pioneering metal oxide framework for improved elimination of heavy metals from industrial wastewater

Abstract

Abstract The growing global concern about heavy metal pollution in water systems arises from its severe impacts on living organisms, including toxicity and carcinogenic effects. Using nano‐sized materials such as metal oxides and metal–oxide frameworks (MOFs) offers potential due to their large surface area and functional groups. This study focuses on enhancing the efficiency of cellulose acetate (CA) membranes by incorporating nano‐graphene oxide (NGO) and a polyethylene glycol (PEG) layer to inhibit bacterial growth. The membrane fabrication process involves optimizing CA with MOFs and grafting thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) layers for self‐cleaning and improved heavy metal removal, specifically chromium (Cr) (VI), iron (Fe) (III), and lead (Pb) (II), from industrial wastewater. Characterization techniques include Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle analysis, while performance evaluation incorporates inductively coupled plasma, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), mechanical testing, and thermogravimetric analysis. This innovative approach highlights MOF integration with CA membranes for heavy metal removal. Rejection rates for Cr (VI), Fe (III), and Pb (II) from common effluent treatment plant wastewater were recorded as 88.03%, 79.47%, and 83.35% at an applied pressure of 0.500 MPa. Membranes with the highest nanoparticle content demonstrated superior inhibition compared to others. The study presents a novel method of incorporating NGO nanoparticles into CA TPU composite membranes, significantly improving mechanical and structural properties and self‐cleaning membranes, essential for industrial wastewater treatment. Highlights Heavy metal pollution in water poses toxicity and carcinogenicity risks. Nanomaterials enhance membranes with self‐cleaning and heavy metal removal. Metal–oxide frameworks with CA boosts Cr, Fe, and Pb by over 79% efficiency. Developed prototype for wastewater purification with bacterial resistance.