Reduced graphene oxide membranes as potential self-assembling filter for wastewater treatment

S. Latorrata, C. Cristiani, A. Basso Peressut, L. Brambilla, M. Bellotto, G. Dotelli, E. Finocchio, P. Gallo Stampino, G. Ramis

Minerals, 11(1) (2021), 1-16

https://doi.org/10.3390/min11010015

This work focuses on the investigation of the capability of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) filters to remove metals from various wastewater. The process to produce rGO membranes is reported and discussed, as well as their ability to capture ions in complex solutions, such as tap or industrial wastewater. Multi-ion solutions, containing Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, Ni²⁺, and Mn²⁺ to simulate mine wastewater, or Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ to mimic drinkable water, were used as models. In mono-ionic solutions, the best capture efficiency values were proved for Ca²⁺, Fe³⁺, and Ni²⁺ ions, while a matrix effect was found for multi-ion solutions. However, interesting capture efficiencies were measured in the range of 30–90%, depending on the specific ion, for both single and multi-ion solutions. An attempt is proposed to correlate ions capture efficiency with ions characteristics, such as ionic radius or charge. Combining a satisfactory capture efficiency with low costs and ease of treatment unit operations, the approach here proposed is considered promising to replace other more complex and expensive filtration techniques.