Muhammad Syahrir, Muhammad Danial Sanusi, Muhammad Nur Alam, Rizal Irfandi, Dian Permana, Subakir Salnus
Cellulose acetate (CA)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) composite membranes are promising advanced materials for the removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from wastewater. Therefore, this study aimed at synthesizing CA/PEG composite membranes using the phase inversion method with CA/PEG composition ratios (w/w) of 12:6, 13:5, 14:4, and 15:3. The synthesis process began with the acetylation of cellulose to produce CA, and the obtained products were characterized using ATR-FTIR, SEM, and TGA. The water contact angle (WCA) and swelling index (SI) were evaluated to determine the hydrophobicity. The results showed that the CA/PEG (15:3) membrane had the highest water contact angle and the lowest swelling index, indicating its superior hydrophobic characteristics. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful synthesis by identifying characteristic peaks of CA and PEG, particularly at 3300 cm-1 (associated with -OH groups), 1049 cm-1, and 617 cm-1 (corresponding to C-O and -OH torsional vibrations). In addition, SEM images revealed a less porous surface with non-uniform pore sizes across the products. TGA analysis indicated that the CA/PEG (14:4) membrane had the best thermal stability, evidenced by the lowest weight loss percentage of 70.64%. The evaluation of water flux indicated the CA/PEG (12:6) membrane achieved the highest flux value of 54.081 L/m2·h. Conversely, the CA/PEG (14:4) membrane exhibited superior anti-fouling performance, with the highest FRR value of 84.62, demonstrating its consistency. Furthermore, the CA/PEG (14:4) membrane testing on real samples of marine sediment extract confirmed the maximum rejection rate of pyrene compound of 87.67%. These results demonstrate the high effectiveness and efficiency of cellulose acetate-based membranes in removing PAHs from wastewater. Moreover, this membrane is renewable and environmentally friendly. ©2025 The authors.
Department of Chemistry, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Makassar, 90244, Indonesia; Science Education Study Program, Universitas Sembilanbelas November Kolaka, Kolaka, 93514, Indonesia
