The addition of carbon nanotubes to improves the removal and adsorption
of endocrine disrupting micropollutants (bisphenol A and nonylphenol). Increasing
the SWCNT (single walled carbon nanotubes) content increases removal and
diminishes reversible and irreversible fouling.
The isoelectric point of the SWCNT containing membranes decreases when
the content of nanotubes increases with more negative charges at alkaline pH.
Because, the nanotube loaded membranes are also less hydrophilic and bisphenol
and nonylphenol are hydrophobous, adsorption plays a key role in the removal of
micropollutants. An increase in the transmembrane applied pressure decreases the
removal and more steeply for the membranes containing more SWCNT.
Higher porosities, leading to higher water permeabilities, are also obtained
for more loaded membranes. Too high SWCNT contents lead to a saturation and
decrease of removal probably because high porosities lead to a decrease in
adsorption due to both a decrease in the available surface and a sweeping action of
convection through the membrane.
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