Enhanced adsorptive removal of As(V) ions in aqueous solution using polyethersulfone ultrafiltration mixed matrix membranes impregnated with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane modified magnetite Fe3O4 nanoparticles.

This study involves the fabrication of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for ultrafiltration, which contained 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane modified magnetite iron oxide nanoparticles (A‐Fe3O4 NPs), through a modified phase inversion technique. The physiochemical properties and surface morphologies of both the as‐synthesized A‐Fe3O4 NPs and fabricated MMMs were examined using advanced characterization techniques. The quasi‐spherical A‐Fe3O4 NPs had an average particle size of 12 nm and a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of 131.38 m2/g. Analysis by Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of NH2 and OH functional groups grafted onto the Fe3O4 NPs. The incorporation of higher loadings of A‐Fe3O4 NPs in the membrane matrix significantly improved the adsorptive ability and hydrophilicity of the adsorbent, leading to improved membrane water permeance, adsorption rate, and adsorption‐filtration properties. The water contact angle decreased from 70.7° to 63.2°, and the flux increased from 239.9 to 443.8 L/m2.h, while overall membrane porosity increased from 43.4% to 51.9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]