Search

Forward osmosis (FO) membrane is a promising membrane technique. However, its application in desalination is limited. Thus, we synthesized MIL-53(Fe)@γ-Al2O3 via solvent-thermal method to fabricate MIL-53(Fe)@γ-Al2O3/cellulose acetate (CA) composite membranes of high desalination performance. MIL-53(Fe)@γ-Al2O3 and MIL-53(Fe) particles were studied using XRD, FITR, SEM, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, and AFM. The structural features of MIL-53(Fe)@γ-Al2O3/CA membrane and MIL-53(Fe)/CA membrane were analyzed using SEM, AFM and water contact angle. The reverse salt flux and water flux of the MIL-53(Fe)@γ-Al2O3/CA membrane reached 1.78 g m-2 h-1 and 37.1 L m-2 h-1, respectively, when the deionized water and 1 M NaCl solution were the feed solution and traction solution, respectively. Compared to the MIL-53(Fe)/CA membrane, the MIL-53(Fe)@γ-Al2O3/CA membrane demonstrated better perviousness and selectivity properties of the membrane. This study shows a potential advantage of MOF composites as additives for improvement in the desalination performance of forward osmosis membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]