Vahid Vatanpour | Kharazmi University Of Tehran (original) (raw)

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Papers by Vahid Vatanpour

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of using clinoptilolite as a filter in drinking water wells for removal of lead (small-scale physical sand box model)

Journal of Water Process Engineering

Research paper thumbnail of Insights into engineered graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots for hazardous contaminants degradation in wastewater

Research paper thumbnail of Optimization of effective parameters in arsenite oxidation process with Cl2, H2O2, and O3 using response surface methodology

Chemical Engineering and Processing - Process Intensification

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation the feasibility of using clinoptilolite as a gravel pack in water wells for removal of lead from contaminated groundwater

Environmental Science and Pollution Research

Research paper thumbnail of Application of g-C3N4/ZnO nanocomposites for fabrication of anti-fouling polymer membranes with dye and protein rejection superiority

Journal of Membrane Science

Research paper thumbnail of Surface modification of commercial reverse osmosis membranes using both hydrophilic polymer and graphene oxide to improve desalination efficiency

Research paper thumbnail of Nanomaterials in membrane bioreactors: Recent progresses, challenges, and potentials

Research paper thumbnail of Modification of PVDF membranes by incorporation Fe3O4@Xanthan gum to improve anti-fouling, anti-bacterial, and separation performance

Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

Research paper thumbnail of Polyethylene separator supported thin-film composite forward osmosis membranes for concentrating lithium enriched brine

Water Research, 2022

To extract lithium from salt lake brine involves a process of separation and concentration. After... more To extract lithium from salt lake brine involves a process of separation and concentration. After separating lithium from brine, the lithium ion concentration is generally a few hundred mg/L which is far below the required 20-30 g/L (as Li+) before precipitation as lithium carbonate. The concentration step of a lithium enriched brine is crucial but highly energy-intensive. Spontaneous forward osmosis (FO) technology offers the possibility for concentrating lithium ions with low energy. Because the concentrating process involves both feed and draw solution with very high salinity, it is highly desirable to have a high performance FO membrane with a low structural parameter as well as a high rejection to ions. In this work, thin polyethylene separator supported FO (PE-FO) membranes were prepared and post-treated stepwise with benzyl alcohol (BA) and hydraulic compaction. The effect of the post-treatment on the FO performance was systematically analyzed. Excellent FO performance was achieved: the water flux and reverse salt flux selectivity were 66.3 LMH and 5.25 L/g, respectively, when the active layer is oriented towards the 0.5 M NaCl draw solution with deionized water as the feed. To the best of our knowledge, this FO flux is the highest ever reported in the open literature under similar test conditions. Applied in concentrating lithium enriched brine, the membrane showed superior water flux using saturated MgCl2 as draw solution. A new FO model was established to simulate the water flux during the concentration process with good agreement with the experimental results. The promising results using PE-FO membrane for lithium enrichment opens a new frontier for the potential application of FO membranes.

Research paper thumbnail of Recent trends in application of nanoscale zero-valent metals and metal single atoms in membrane processes

Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Cellulose acetate in fabrication of polymeric membranes: A review

Chemosphere, 2022

Developing biodegradable polymers to fabricate filtration membranes is one of the main challenges... more Developing biodegradable polymers to fabricate filtration membranes is one of the main challenges of membrane science and technology. Cellulose acetate (CA) membranes, due to their excellent film-forming property, high chemical and mechanical stability, high hydrophilicity, eco-friendly, and suitable cost, are extensively used in water and wastewater treatment, gas separation, and energy generation purposes. The CA is one of the first materials used to fabricate filtration membranes. However, in the last decade, the possibility of modification of CA to improve permeability and stability has attracted the researcher's attention again. This review is focused on the properties of cellulose derivatives and especially CA membranes in the fabrication of polymeric separation membranes in various applications such as filtration, gas separation, adsorption, and ion exchange membranes. Firstly, a brief introduction of CA properties and used molecular weights in the fabrication of membranes will be presented. After that, different configurations of CA membranes will be outlined, and the performance of CA membranes in several applications and configurations as the main polymer and as an additive in the fabrication of other polymer-based membranes will be discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of A review on dendrimers in preparation and modification of membranes: progress, applications, and challenges

Materials Today Chemistry, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of a new functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes on antifouling and permeability of PVDF nanocomposite membranes for dye wastewater treatment

Chemosphere, 2022

Here, novel hydroxyl and carboxyl functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (AHF-MWCNT and ACF-... more Here, novel hydroxyl and carboxyl functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (AHF-MWCNT and ACF-MWCNT) were successfully synthesized and introduced for modification and antifouling improvement of the PVDF membrane. The blending effect of AHF-MWCNT and ACF-MWCNT on the morphology and surface properties of the PVDF membrane was explored by SEM, AFM, water contact angle, and zeta potential analysis. The results indicated that the membrane surface has become more hydrophilic, smoother as well more negative. In addition, the overall porosity and mean pore radius are increased by MWCNTs embedding. The filtration performance, antifouling and dye separation of the nanocomposite membranes were improved by adding any amounts of AHF-MWCNT and ACF-MWCNT in the PVDF membrane matrix. The carboxylic modification presented better performance than the hydroxyl functionalization. The 0.1 wt% ACF-MWCNT blended membrane presented an optimum performance with 46 L m-2 h-1 bar-1 permeability, 93% FRR, and 97.3% dye rejection. Consequently, embedding functionalized MWCNT in the PVDF membrane matrix was led to improvement of membrane characteristics and enhancement of pure water flux, antifouling feature, and dye separation. So, the functionalized MWCNT could be a promising additive for the PVDF membrane modification.

Research paper thumbnail of MoS2/N-TiO2/Ti mesh plate for visible-light photocatalytic ozonation of naproxen and industrial wastewater: comparative studies and artificial neural network modeling

Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2021

This paper presents the results of visible-light assisted photocatalytic ozonation for the degrad... more This paper presents the results of visible-light assisted photocatalytic ozonation for the degradation of naproxen as a model pharmaceutical pollutant from water using MoS2/N-TiO2 immobilized on a titanium mesh plate in addition to treatment of a real industrial wastewater. The batch studies were performed for naproxen degradation by varying the reaction variables such as ozone flow rate, initial pH and pollutant concertation. It was observed that almost 90% degradation was achieved at pH = 4, ozone flow rate = 3 L min−1 and initial naproxen concentration = 5 mg L−1. The catalyst exhibited constant activity even after seven successive cycles. Comparative studies among sorption, ozonation, photocatalysis, catalytic ozonation and photocatalytic ozonation revealed that the later process had the highest degradation of pollutant. Moreover, an artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed to simulate the performance of visible-light photocatalytic ozonation in naproxen degradation. The developed ANN model could estimate the visible-light photocatalytic ozonation process under the different experimental conditions. Finally, the applicability of the photocatalytic ozonation was successfully approved for industrial wastewater treatment. The results showed that the COD removal efficiency reached 65% within 150 min. • MoS2/N-TiO2/Ti was synthesized by the quick electrophoretic deposition method. • The catalyst showed good ability in naproxen degradation via visible-light photocatalytic ozonation. • A three-layer artificial neural network model was developed to predict the naproxen degradation. • Naproxen degradation efficiency through the photocatalytic ozonation was higher than the individual methods. • COD of real wastewater was reduced significantly after the visible-light photocatalytic ozonation process.

Research paper thumbnail of A Comprehensive Review on the Applications of Boron Nitride Nanomaterials in Membrane Fabrication and Modification

Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of morphology, performance and fouling tendency of mixed matrix PVDF ultrafiltration membranes incorporated by different size-controlled SAPO-34 nanozeolites

Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 2021

Abstract In this research, the influences of the size and concentration of synthesized SAPO-34 na... more Abstract In this research, the influences of the size and concentration of synthesized SAPO-34 nanozeolites on the morphological characteristics, water permeability and anti-fouling properties of PVDF/SAPO-34 ultrafiltration mixed matrix membranes were explored and compared with incorporation of commercial SAPO-34. The SAPO-34 is a hydrophilic zeolite with high pore volume, which nominates itself to improve permeation properties of the PVDF membranes when incorporated into its matrix. The nature, size and shape of the synthesized SAPO-34 zeolites as well as the PVDF/SAPO-34 membrane structure were characterized by XRD, EDX and SEM techniques. Evaluation of contact angle and porosity revealed that when the SAPO-34 nanozeolites concentration in the casting solution and their crystallization time (during synthesis) augments up to 1 wt% and 18 h, respectively, the hydrophilicity and bulk porosity of PVDF membranes as well as their surface mean pore sizes enhances. As a result, the pure water flux of all membranes containing SAPO-34 nanoparticles was higher than that of the bare membrane. The lowest contact angle of 73o, the highest bulk porosity of 65%, mean pore size of 3.5 nm and pure water flux of 33 GFD belonged to the membrane which was prepared with 1 wt% of SAPO-34 with 18 h of crystallization time. FRR measurements expressed that the fouling tendency of the membranes containing synthetic SAPO-34 nanoparticles has declined compared to the bare PVDF membrane and those with commercial type. The results approved that by decreasing of the nanoparticle size, the performance of nanocomposite membranes improved.

Research paper thumbnail of Application of graphitic carbon nitrides in developing polymeric membranes: A review

Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 2021

Abstract Membrane separation processes have been considered as general techniques for separation ... more Abstract Membrane separation processes have been considered as general techniques for separation and purification of water, for they guarantee a number of worldwide advantages in terms of their economics and outstanding practical selectivity. However, fouling restricts the efficiency of membranes, necessitating modification of their bulk and surface characteristics. Incorporation of nanomaterials into the membrane matrix has been intended as a prominent strategy, where carbon-based nanostructures played a key role in diminishing fouling. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) composed of carbon and nitrogen has attracted significant attentions in membrane fabrication owing to its hydrophilic nature, acceptable thermal stability and photocatalytic property. In this review, a brief explanation of the history of g-C3N4 was provided, followed by classification and explanation of different ways attempted in fabrication of g-C3N4 membranes. In addition, the influence of g-C3N4 on the efficiency of membrane processes was comprehensively discussed. Finally, the challenging aspects of the future usage of g-C3N4 in industrial scale processes were discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Synthesis of a novel sulfonated poly(amide-imide) and its application in preparation of ultrafiltration PES membranes as a modifier

Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Box-Behnken design as a systematic approach to inspect correlation between synthesis conditions and desalination performance of TFC RO membranes

Research paper thumbnail of Fabrication and characterization of a high-flux and antifouling polyethersulfone membrane for dye removal by embedding Fe3O4-MDA nanoparticles

Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of using clinoptilolite as a filter in drinking water wells for removal of lead (small-scale physical sand box model)

Journal of Water Process Engineering

Research paper thumbnail of Insights into engineered graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots for hazardous contaminants degradation in wastewater

Research paper thumbnail of Optimization of effective parameters in arsenite oxidation process with Cl2, H2O2, and O3 using response surface methodology

Chemical Engineering and Processing - Process Intensification

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation the feasibility of using clinoptilolite as a gravel pack in water wells for removal of lead from contaminated groundwater

Environmental Science and Pollution Research

Research paper thumbnail of Application of g-C3N4/ZnO nanocomposites for fabrication of anti-fouling polymer membranes with dye and protein rejection superiority

Journal of Membrane Science

Research paper thumbnail of Surface modification of commercial reverse osmosis membranes using both hydrophilic polymer and graphene oxide to improve desalination efficiency

Research paper thumbnail of Nanomaterials in membrane bioreactors: Recent progresses, challenges, and potentials

Research paper thumbnail of Modification of PVDF membranes by incorporation Fe3O4@Xanthan gum to improve anti-fouling, anti-bacterial, and separation performance

Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

Research paper thumbnail of Polyethylene separator supported thin-film composite forward osmosis membranes for concentrating lithium enriched brine

Water Research, 2022

To extract lithium from salt lake brine involves a process of separation and concentration. After... more To extract lithium from salt lake brine involves a process of separation and concentration. After separating lithium from brine, the lithium ion concentration is generally a few hundred mg/L which is far below the required 20-30 g/L (as Li+) before precipitation as lithium carbonate. The concentration step of a lithium enriched brine is crucial but highly energy-intensive. Spontaneous forward osmosis (FO) technology offers the possibility for concentrating lithium ions with low energy. Because the concentrating process involves both feed and draw solution with very high salinity, it is highly desirable to have a high performance FO membrane with a low structural parameter as well as a high rejection to ions. In this work, thin polyethylene separator supported FO (PE-FO) membranes were prepared and post-treated stepwise with benzyl alcohol (BA) and hydraulic compaction. The effect of the post-treatment on the FO performance was systematically analyzed. Excellent FO performance was achieved: the water flux and reverse salt flux selectivity were 66.3 LMH and 5.25 L/g, respectively, when the active layer is oriented towards the 0.5 M NaCl draw solution with deionized water as the feed. To the best of our knowledge, this FO flux is the highest ever reported in the open literature under similar test conditions. Applied in concentrating lithium enriched brine, the membrane showed superior water flux using saturated MgCl2 as draw solution. A new FO model was established to simulate the water flux during the concentration process with good agreement with the experimental results. The promising results using PE-FO membrane for lithium enrichment opens a new frontier for the potential application of FO membranes.

Research paper thumbnail of Recent trends in application of nanoscale zero-valent metals and metal single atoms in membrane processes

Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Cellulose acetate in fabrication of polymeric membranes: A review

Chemosphere, 2022

Developing biodegradable polymers to fabricate filtration membranes is one of the main challenges... more Developing biodegradable polymers to fabricate filtration membranes is one of the main challenges of membrane science and technology. Cellulose acetate (CA) membranes, due to their excellent film-forming property, high chemical and mechanical stability, high hydrophilicity, eco-friendly, and suitable cost, are extensively used in water and wastewater treatment, gas separation, and energy generation purposes. The CA is one of the first materials used to fabricate filtration membranes. However, in the last decade, the possibility of modification of CA to improve permeability and stability has attracted the researcher's attention again. This review is focused on the properties of cellulose derivatives and especially CA membranes in the fabrication of polymeric separation membranes in various applications such as filtration, gas separation, adsorption, and ion exchange membranes. Firstly, a brief introduction of CA properties and used molecular weights in the fabrication of membranes will be presented. After that, different configurations of CA membranes will be outlined, and the performance of CA membranes in several applications and configurations as the main polymer and as an additive in the fabrication of other polymer-based membranes will be discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of A review on dendrimers in preparation and modification of membranes: progress, applications, and challenges

Materials Today Chemistry, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of a new functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes on antifouling and permeability of PVDF nanocomposite membranes for dye wastewater treatment

Chemosphere, 2022

Here, novel hydroxyl and carboxyl functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (AHF-MWCNT and ACF-... more Here, novel hydroxyl and carboxyl functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (AHF-MWCNT and ACF-MWCNT) were successfully synthesized and introduced for modification and antifouling improvement of the PVDF membrane. The blending effect of AHF-MWCNT and ACF-MWCNT on the morphology and surface properties of the PVDF membrane was explored by SEM, AFM, water contact angle, and zeta potential analysis. The results indicated that the membrane surface has become more hydrophilic, smoother as well more negative. In addition, the overall porosity and mean pore radius are increased by MWCNTs embedding. The filtration performance, antifouling and dye separation of the nanocomposite membranes were improved by adding any amounts of AHF-MWCNT and ACF-MWCNT in the PVDF membrane matrix. The carboxylic modification presented better performance than the hydroxyl functionalization. The 0.1 wt% ACF-MWCNT blended membrane presented an optimum performance with 46 L m-2 h-1 bar-1 permeability, 93% FRR, and 97.3% dye rejection. Consequently, embedding functionalized MWCNT in the PVDF membrane matrix was led to improvement of membrane characteristics and enhancement of pure water flux, antifouling feature, and dye separation. So, the functionalized MWCNT could be a promising additive for the PVDF membrane modification.

Research paper thumbnail of MoS2/N-TiO2/Ti mesh plate for visible-light photocatalytic ozonation of naproxen and industrial wastewater: comparative studies and artificial neural network modeling

Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2021

This paper presents the results of visible-light assisted photocatalytic ozonation for the degrad... more This paper presents the results of visible-light assisted photocatalytic ozonation for the degradation of naproxen as a model pharmaceutical pollutant from water using MoS2/N-TiO2 immobilized on a titanium mesh plate in addition to treatment of a real industrial wastewater. The batch studies were performed for naproxen degradation by varying the reaction variables such as ozone flow rate, initial pH and pollutant concertation. It was observed that almost 90% degradation was achieved at pH = 4, ozone flow rate = 3 L min−1 and initial naproxen concentration = 5 mg L−1. The catalyst exhibited constant activity even after seven successive cycles. Comparative studies among sorption, ozonation, photocatalysis, catalytic ozonation and photocatalytic ozonation revealed that the later process had the highest degradation of pollutant. Moreover, an artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed to simulate the performance of visible-light photocatalytic ozonation in naproxen degradation. The developed ANN model could estimate the visible-light photocatalytic ozonation process under the different experimental conditions. Finally, the applicability of the photocatalytic ozonation was successfully approved for industrial wastewater treatment. The results showed that the COD removal efficiency reached 65% within 150 min. • MoS2/N-TiO2/Ti was synthesized by the quick electrophoretic deposition method. • The catalyst showed good ability in naproxen degradation via visible-light photocatalytic ozonation. • A three-layer artificial neural network model was developed to predict the naproxen degradation. • Naproxen degradation efficiency through the photocatalytic ozonation was higher than the individual methods. • COD of real wastewater was reduced significantly after the visible-light photocatalytic ozonation process.

Research paper thumbnail of A Comprehensive Review on the Applications of Boron Nitride Nanomaterials in Membrane Fabrication and Modification

Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of morphology, performance and fouling tendency of mixed matrix PVDF ultrafiltration membranes incorporated by different size-controlled SAPO-34 nanozeolites

Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 2021

Abstract In this research, the influences of the size and concentration of synthesized SAPO-34 na... more Abstract In this research, the influences of the size and concentration of synthesized SAPO-34 nanozeolites on the morphological characteristics, water permeability and anti-fouling properties of PVDF/SAPO-34 ultrafiltration mixed matrix membranes were explored and compared with incorporation of commercial SAPO-34. The SAPO-34 is a hydrophilic zeolite with high pore volume, which nominates itself to improve permeation properties of the PVDF membranes when incorporated into its matrix. The nature, size and shape of the synthesized SAPO-34 zeolites as well as the PVDF/SAPO-34 membrane structure were characterized by XRD, EDX and SEM techniques. Evaluation of contact angle and porosity revealed that when the SAPO-34 nanozeolites concentration in the casting solution and their crystallization time (during synthesis) augments up to 1 wt% and 18 h, respectively, the hydrophilicity and bulk porosity of PVDF membranes as well as their surface mean pore sizes enhances. As a result, the pure water flux of all membranes containing SAPO-34 nanoparticles was higher than that of the bare membrane. The lowest contact angle of 73o, the highest bulk porosity of 65%, mean pore size of 3.5 nm and pure water flux of 33 GFD belonged to the membrane which was prepared with 1 wt% of SAPO-34 with 18 h of crystallization time. FRR measurements expressed that the fouling tendency of the membranes containing synthetic SAPO-34 nanoparticles has declined compared to the bare PVDF membrane and those with commercial type. The results approved that by decreasing of the nanoparticle size, the performance of nanocomposite membranes improved.

Research paper thumbnail of Application of graphitic carbon nitrides in developing polymeric membranes: A review

Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 2021

Abstract Membrane separation processes have been considered as general techniques for separation ... more Abstract Membrane separation processes have been considered as general techniques for separation and purification of water, for they guarantee a number of worldwide advantages in terms of their economics and outstanding practical selectivity. However, fouling restricts the efficiency of membranes, necessitating modification of their bulk and surface characteristics. Incorporation of nanomaterials into the membrane matrix has been intended as a prominent strategy, where carbon-based nanostructures played a key role in diminishing fouling. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) composed of carbon and nitrogen has attracted significant attentions in membrane fabrication owing to its hydrophilic nature, acceptable thermal stability and photocatalytic property. In this review, a brief explanation of the history of g-C3N4 was provided, followed by classification and explanation of different ways attempted in fabrication of g-C3N4 membranes. In addition, the influence of g-C3N4 on the efficiency of membrane processes was comprehensively discussed. Finally, the challenging aspects of the future usage of g-C3N4 in industrial scale processes were discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Synthesis of a novel sulfonated poly(amide-imide) and its application in preparation of ultrafiltration PES membranes as a modifier

Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Box-Behnken design as a systematic approach to inspect correlation between synthesis conditions and desalination performance of TFC RO membranes

Research paper thumbnail of Fabrication and characterization of a high-flux and antifouling polyethersulfone membrane for dye removal by embedding Fe3O4-MDA nanoparticles

Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 2019