Relationship of magnetic strength to zinc ferrite migration in fabricating photocatalytic membrane for phenol photodegradation

Abstract Random particle distribution in mixed matrix membrane has reduced its efficiency in removing targeted pollutants. The particle that locates far from the membrane surface interacts less with the adsorbate and harnesses less light for photocatalysis. This study aims to strategically distribute particles in a mixed matrix membrane near its surface with the assistance of a magnetic field. The magnetic field strength was varied by varying the distance between the permanent magnets to the cast film at 10, 15, and 40 mm. 10 mm gap membrane (ZnFe10) possesses 1.7 wt% iron (Fe) at thin layer but moot with particle aggregation. 15 mm gap membrane (ZnFe15) with 0.8 wt% Fe posses the highest phenol degradation at 1736 mg/g with stable performance after three cycles due to balanced particle distribution. ZnFe15 exhibits the highest phenol adsorption with maximum phenol adsorption (qmDR) of 120 mg/g. The fouling studies revealed ZnFe10 has 77 wt% fouling recovery, the highest among membranes. The result indicates that the magnetic field could assist in distributing the particles and their systematic distribution near the surface, improving the overall membrane performance. Hence, particle distribution within the membrane should be taken into account when fabricating a mixed matrix membrane.