Poly(vinyl alcohol)/carboxyl graphene mixed matrix membranes: High-power ultrasonic treatment for enhanced pervaporation performance

High-power ultrasonic treatment was conducted during the mixing process to obtain poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/carboxyl graphene (CG) mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). Results from X-ray photoelectron spectrometer and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the enhanced esterification reaction. The increased amorphous region and free volume were investigated by wide-angle X-ray diffraction and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope measurements suggested that ultrasonic could uniformly disperse CG in PVA polymer matrix. The mechanical properties and hydrophilicity of as-prepared membrane were enhanced due to ultrasonic treatment. The permeation flux and separation factor of PVA/CG-US membrane for 90 wt % ethanol aqueous solution were 0.79 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ and 860, respectively. For methanol (15 wt %)/methyl tert-butyl ether mixture, its permeation flux and separation factor were also increased significantly compared with membranes without ultrasonic treatment. Due to the simplicity of the ultrasonic process and the versatility of the inorganic fillers, this method may contribute to the design of various MMMs and extend the application of these membranes in different uses. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137, 48526.