Nanocomposite polymer-carbon based nanomaterial filters for the simultaneous removal of bacteria and heavy metals

• US 9,855,533 B2
• Filed: 12/15/2014
• Issued: 01/02/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 09/12/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: University of Houston System
• Original Assignee: University of Houston System
• Inventors: Rodrigues, Debora F., Advincula, Rigoberto C., Claydon, Fritz, Santos, Catherine M., Tria, Maria Celeste R.
• Primary Examiner(s): STELLING, LUCAS A
• Application Number:
  US14/570,861
• Publication Number:
  US 20150182920A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,114 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2323/36 Introduction of specific chemical groups
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2323/46 Impregnation
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2323/48 Influencing the pH
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2325/12 Adsorbents being present on the surface of the membranes or in the pores
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2325/48 Antimicrobial properties
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 67/0079 Manufacture of membranes comprising organic and inorganic components
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 69/02 characterised by their properties
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 69/12 Composite membranes; Ultra-thin membranes
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 69/147 containing embedded adsorbents
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 69/148 Organic/inorganic mixed matrix membranes
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 71/0212 Carbon nanotubes
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 71/82 characterised by the presence of specified groups, e.g. introduced by chemical after-treatment
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 977/734 Fullerenes, i.e. graphene-based structures, such as nanohorns, nanococoons, nanoscrolls or fullerene-like structures, e.g. WS2 or MoS2 chalcogenide nanotubes, planar C3N4, etc.
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 977/753 with polymeric or organic binder
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 977/847 Surface modifications, e.g. functionalization, coating

Abstract

The disclosed subject matter provides a filter that is modified by a polymer-carbon based nanomaterial nanocomposite intended to significantly enhance the performance of filtration, separation, and remediation of a broad variety of chemicals, heavy metal ions, organic matters, and living organisms. Polymeric materials, such as but not limited to poly-N-vinyl carbazole (PVK), are combined with (1) graphene (G) and/or graphene-like materials based nanomaterials and (2) graphene oxide (GO) chemically modified with a chelating agent such as but not limited to EDTA. The nanocomposite is homogenously deposited on the surface of the membrane.

Claims

1. A filtration membrane comprising:

a filter membrane; and

a nanocomposite deposited on a surface of the filter membrane, wherein the nanocomposite comprises a polymer and a carbon-based nanomaterial, and wherein the nanocomposite is polyvinyl-N-carbazole-graphene, polyvinyl-N-carbazole-graphene oxide, or polyvinyl-N-carbazole-graphene oxide modified with EDTA.

2. The filtration membrane of claim 1, wherein said polymer is present in an amount ranging from 1 to 10 weight percent of said nanocomposite.

3. The filtration membrane of claim 1, wherein said carbon-based nanomaterial is present in an amount ranging from 90 to 99 weight percent of said nanocomposite.

4. The filtration membrane of claim 1, wherein said nanocomposite is deposited on a surface of said filter membrane by gravity coating or dip-coating.

5. The filtration membrane of claim 1, wherein said nanocomposite is homogeneously deposited on a surface of the filter membrane.

6. The filtration membrane of claim 1, wherein said filter membrane is comprised of cellulose nitrate, polyvinylidine fluoride, nylon, polycarbonate, cellulose, poly-tetrafluoroethylene, ceramic, glass, or combinations thereof.