Molybdenum (iv) sulfide-graphene (MOS²-RGO) membranes supported onto alumina substrates for BPA removal

Graphene oxide (GO) is an example of graphene derivatives composed of carbon atoms that are bonded by van der Waals forces and have intriguing characteristics such as single atomic layer thickness, high mechanical strength and large specific surface area. GO membranes have been widely used for water treatment and electronic applications. Removal of endocrine disrupting compounds such as BPA into the water system can cause harmful effects to the environment and membrane separation is found as one of the cost efficient in removing BPA. In this study, adsorption of BPA by using molybdenum disulfide-reduced graphene oxide (MoS²-rGO) as adsorbent supported onto alumina has been made. Simple physical method has been used in synthesizing MoS² and rGO by exfoliation and modified Hummer’s method respectively. The composite membrane were characterized under scanning electron microscope (SEM), fiels scanning electron microscope (FESEM), mercury porosimeter (Hg Porosimetry), atomic force microscope (AFM), digital microscope and contact angle while UV-Vis for BPA rejection. The effects of pressure found that higher pressure resulted the better separation and after 120 ppm the performance of membrane decrease due to fouling. MoS²-rGO/alumina membrane exerts the best BPA rejection at 120 ppm and 1.5 bar with 63.18% rate.