Adsorptive zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 membrane on ceramic support for the removal of lead(II) ions

Lead has long been recognised as a highly toxic material that can inflict a fatal effect on humans and other living organisms. To prevent consumption through drinking, an appropriate strategy must be utilised to remove lead(II) ions from water. This article presents the lead(II) removal efficacy through the use of an adsorptive membrane made of the Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) developed on an alumina support. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, atomic absorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies were first employed to appraise the physicochemical properties of the membranes. A batch adsorption approach was then used to determine the adsorption efficiency of the ZIF-8 membrane. The SC48 sample, which was synthesised for 48 h, demonstrated the best lead(II) adsorption capability, with an adsorption capacity of 115.38 mg/g. Cross-flow filtration test conducted under ideal conditions revealed that the average lead(II) removal rate was 92.13% with a water permeation of 288.41 Lm⁻²h⁻¹bar⁻¹. Additionally, the regeneration study exhibited the reusability potential of the ZIF-8 membrane. It was found that the membrane adsorption mechanism is by chemisorption as determined through the isotherms and kinetic study.