Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons removal from aqueous solution with PABA-MCM-41/polyethersulfone mixed matrix membranes

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are one of the most recalcitrant pollutant originated from the burning of coal, petroleum, and other fossil fuels. The human exposure to PAHs may contribute to develop several carcinogenesis mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to develop a mixed matrix membrane (MMM) based on polyethersulfone (PES) and functionalized mesoporous material for the remediation of PAHs mixture by adsorption processes. MCM-41-based mesoparticles were obtained from biomass reuse of rice husk ash (RHA) and functionalized with p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). The hydrothermal and casting methods were effective and sustainable in the preparation of PABA-MCM-41 and PES-based MMMs, respectively. PES-based MMMs presented an excellent distribution of the arrays incorporated and small-angle ordering. The absorption of PAHs was influenced by the incorporation of PABA-MCM-41 within the PES matrix.