Affiliation:
1. Department of Chemistry School of Applied Sciences and Humanities Vignan's Foundation for Science Technology and Research (VFSTR), Vadlamudi Guntur Andhra Pradesh India
2. Office of the Dean (Research) Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University (MIT‐WPU), Kothrud Pune Maharashtra India
Abstract
ABSTRACTPolyelectrolytes with strong acidic functionality are among the prime sources for water desalination techniques. Poly 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid (PAMPS) is one such polymer showing polyelectrolyte characteristics because of highly acidic SO3H group (pKa < 2) and film‐forming characteristics of flexible polymeric chains. Halloysite nanotubes functionalized with polyelectrolytes can be considered for water purification, as halloysite was reported to be efficient in removing dissolved metal salts. These polyelectrolytes can be introduced as a blend with other components, or they can be synthesized via in situ to form flexible membranes. Polymer nano‐filtration membranes with controlled crosslinking were designed as a function of halloysite and AMPS composition using in situ free radical polymerization with other polymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride and polyvinylpyrrolidone to strengthen the polymer matrix. The synthesized membranes were characterized using FTIR, SEM, EDS, TGA, and DTG techniques. Equilibrium water content, contact angle, water flux, salt rejection efficiency, and antifouling studies are also carried out for these membranes in water purification.