Synthesis and Characterization of Organo -Inorganic Nano composite Membranes for Waste water processes and Bioprocess applications

Poly ethylene imine (PEI)/Polyether sulfone (PES) and SiO2composite membranes were prepared by phase inversion method based on the in situ polymerization process with TEOS/CAL-SIL (Tetra ethyl orthosilicate-Si(OC2H5)4/calcium orthosilicate-Ca2SiO4) as a precursor for forming SiO2 inorganic particles which is also considered as a pore-forming agent. The influence of SiO2 particles on the morphology and the performance of the composite membrane were investigated by the means of FTIR, SEM, XRD, mechanical strength analysis and pure water flux tests. The results of FTIR shows the presence of silica with their corresponding symmetric and asymmetric vibrations compared with control membrane and shows the amorphous nature of the membranes. The morphology of composite membrane differing from their pure state and shows the formation of silica inorganic particles along with varying pore statistics. The greater degree of homogeneity and the absence of macro phase separation is the result of concurrent formation of inorganic network in polymer matrix