In order to enhance the characteristic performance of cellulose acetate (CA) membranes, a novel nanofiller synergy is adopted herein for desalination purpose. Activated zinc oxide and aero-silica synergy in seven different ratio based combinations were introduced into CA matrix adopting solution mixing technique. The functionalized nanofillers loading impact on membranes surface texture, crystalline structural difference, functional groups presence, thermal decomposition and phase transition temperatures were scrutinized. The sole membranes were practically employed to determine salts (NaCl and MgCl2) rejection tested by dead-end filtration system. Time dependent flux rate and fouling study were performed to decide the reuseability of nanocomposite membranes. The results validate a remarkable improvement by idiosyncratically synthesized nanocomposite membranes.
Keywords: Cellulose acetate; functionalized silica aerogel; functionalized zinc oxide; membranes; salts rejection.