The Influence of Y₂O₃ Nanoparticles on the Permeation Properties of Polyethersulfone Membranes

Y₂O₃ nanoparticles were used in a polyethersulfone (PES) as additives to increase the permeation properties of the polymeric membranes. Membranes were manufactured by diffusion-induced phase inversion in N-methyl-pyrrolidone (NMP) using a different concentration of nanoparticles. Y₂O₃ is used in polymeric membranes to enhance their functional properties, especially in wastewater treatment processes. Incorporating Y₂O₃ nanoparticles into the polymer matrix improves the membrane’s hydrophilicity, permeability, and mechanical strength. Additionally, Y₂O₃ provides better properties and reduces fouling. Recent studies highlight its potential as a modifying agent for advanced composite membranes. This paper investigated challenges in the synthesis of Y₂O₃-enhanced membranes and links synthesis with performance. It was observed that the composite membranes have better permeation properties by adding a small amount of Y₂O₃. For membranes at 21 wt.% PES permeability increase from 107 to 112 L/m²h/bar. Fouling performance increases by adding nanoparticles, relative flux decreases by 30% for membranes without nanoparticles and by 10% for membranes with nanoparticles, both at a concentration of 25% PES. Rejection increases for membranes at 21%Pes from 21% for membranes without nanoparticles to 39% for membranes with nanoparticles. The influence of Y₂O₃ nanoparticles on the membranes' performance was determined by filtration experiments to establish the permeability, fouling, retention, and the water flux; by contact angle to establish the surface hydrophilicity; and by SEM to investigate the membranes' structures.