Date of Award

6-1-2024

Thesis Type

masters

Document Type

Thesis (Restricted Access)

Divisions

science

Department

Institute of Biological Sciences

Institution

Universiti Malaya

Abstract

The focus of this project is to analyse the potential of Polyhydroxyalkanoate-Perovskite-Tween 80 (PHA-PV-T80) composites as a selective proton exchange membrane (SPEM) for water filtration. PHA-PV-T80 composites were prepared by initially synthesizing PHA from Pseudomonas putida BET001 via a batch fermentation process; then PHA was blended with distinct concentrations of perovskite and Tween 80 ranging from 0.01 – 0.0025 % (w/v) and 1.5 – 4.5 % (w/v), respectively. Ultrasonication was used to enhance the mixing process. The sonicated solution was cast onto a petri dish to be air-dried until it reached a constant weight. Mcl-PHA monomer constituents were identified using GCMS and 1H-NMR. The functional group changes, thermal properties, and surface morphology of PHA-PV-T80 composites were characterized using FTIR, TGA, and FESEM, respectively. Proton transport analysis was carried out to understand the efficiency of its transfer across the membrane surface by studying the flux (mol.min-1.cm-2) of each membrane. PHA-PV0.01%-T80 4.5% showed the highest flux among the investigated composites. Analysis of the apparent rate constant, k’, provided insights on the enhanced proton flux process in a specific membrane composite; compositing of surfactant with a larger hydrophilic head group in the PHA matrix, as opposed to increasing the perovskite amount, plays a greater role in the partitioning of water molecules on the membrane surface, hence facilitating proton flux.

Note

Dissertation (M.A.) – Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 2024.

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