Hybrid Process of Oxidation and Separation of Organic Contaminants Using Copper(II) Complex-Decorated Nylon Membranes under Mild Conditions.

Industrial wastewater often contains recalcitrant organic contaminants that are difficult to remove, necessitating treatment strategies that integrate different mechanisms under relevant environmental conditions. In this study, a hybrid oxidation and separation process based on nylon membranes decorated with a copper-(II) (CuL) complex was developed at near-neutral pH and in the absence of light irradiation. The performance was evaluated in batch tests for the removal of the dye Drimaren Red X-6BN (DRX-6BN) and in filtration systems applied to the treatment of oily wastewater in the absence and presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The decorated membranes showed DRX-6BN removals of approximately 50% by adsorption in 300 min, while the addition of H2O2 increased the efficiency to values greater than 80% in 180 min. In filtration systems, the integration of catalytic oxidation and membrane separation resulted in the removal of up to ∼100% of the chemical oxygen demand of oily wastewater, even when using a membrane with the lowest CuL load. The activity of the material was maintained after storage for at least three months. These results provide initial evidence supporting the feasibility of CuL-decorated nylon membranes for advanced wastewater treatment applications.