Ravenna Grass-Extracted Alkaline Lignin-Based Polysulfone Mixed Matrix Membrane (MMM) for Aqueous Cr(VI) Removal

Studieshave suggested that ecofriendly, inexpensive, and renewablematerial sources are essential for developing scalable, high-performancemixed matrix membranes (MMMs). With the fact that the second-mostprevalent biomacromolecule in the world of plant biology is lignin,this article delineates the effective fabrication of a lignin-basedMMM utilizing polysulfone (PSf) as the base material. The influenceof PSf and the lignin concentration on the properties of the fabricatedmembranes was examined. Also, the developed membranes were assessedfor surface morphology, roughness, thickness, thermal stability, functionalgroups, elemental composition, mechanical strength, and hydrophilicity.Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)studies showed that the PSf/lignin membranes possessed a rough andinconsistent morphology and comparatively greater surface porosity.The water contact angle was reduced for the 1.0 wt % PSF/lignin membrane.Furthermore, lignin nanoparticles significantly impacted the membranesurface characteristics and decreased the & zeta; potential. Underthe ideal experimental scenario, M2 (0.5 wt % lignin/PSf) and M3 (1.0wt % lignin/PSf) membranes demonstrated good pure water flux valuesand a higher removal of 98.5 and 98.75% of Cr(VI), respectively. EDXanalysis of the membranes after filtration affirmed the effectiveCr(VI) removal from water. Owing to its low cost, green credentials,simplicity in synthesis, and remarkable efficiency, the newly developedPSf/lignin membrane is best suited for removing Cr(VI) and variousother related contaminants from discharge aqueous effluents.