Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
  • Publication
    Mixed Matrix Membrane (MMMs) as Membrane Based Separation Technology: A Review
    ( 2023-01-01)
    Pusphanathan K.
    ;
    ;
    Shoparwe N.F.
    ;
    Makhtar M.M.Z.
    ;
    Zainuddin N.I.
    ;
    Jullok N.
    Mixed matrix membrane (MMMs) is an innovative membrane based-separation technology that plays an essential role in liquid and gas separation and purification recently. This review emphasizes mainly on the current MMMs technology. The discussion begins with a background of the MMMs technologies, followed by a comparison between the MMMs technology porous and non-porous membranes. Following that, state-of-the-art MMMs are featured, which contain a variety of polymers and non-polymers, as well as inorganic fillers and materials. The binary filler approach is also explained, which combines two filler materials to achieve synergistic improvements in MMMs. The development of new robust, high-performance materials is one type of revolutionary membrane preparation approach for harsh and inconsiderate environments. In comparison to pristine polymeric membranes, blended mixed matrix membranes with polymer, solvent, and additives are believed for efficient performance. In addition, fabrication strategies for MMMs preparation are addressed. The fabrication technique can be used to improve membrane performance in a number of ways, including resilience to extremes in process conditions and higher mixture resolution when separating gases and liquids. After that, membrane characterization is performed to analyze the membrane's structural and morphological properties. Based on that, critical evaluation of the performances of the MMMs based on the characterization of the membrane is evaluated in context. Finally, the opportunities, as well as future prospects for the integration of MMMs units for process intensification in various sectors, are also significant of the review.
  • Publication
    Efficiency of Fabricated Adsorptive Polysulfone Mixed Matrix Membrane for Acetic Acid Separation
    ( 2023-06-01)
    Pusphanathan K.
    ;
    ;
    Shoparwe N.F.
    ;
    Makhtar M.M.Z.
    ;
    Zainuddin N.I.
    ;
    Jullok N.
    ;
    Siddiqui M.R.
    ;
    Alam M.
    ;
    Rafatullah M.
    The ultrafiltration mixed matrix membrane (UF MMMs) process represents an applicable approach for the removal of diluted acetic acid at low concentrations, owing to the low pressures applied. The addition of efficient additives represents an approach to further improve membrane porosity and, subsequently, enhance acetic acid removal. This work demonstrates the incorporation of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as additives into polysulfone (PSf) polymer via the non-solvent-induced phase-inversion (NIPS) method to improve the performance of PSf MMMs performance. Eight PSf MMMs samples designated as M0 to M7, each with independent formulations, were prepared and investigated for their respective density, porosity, and degree of AA retention. Morphology analysis through scanning electron microscopy elucidated sample M7 (PSf/TiO2/PEG 6000) to have the highest density and porosity among all samples with concomitant highest AA retention at approximately 92.2%. The application of the concentration polarization method further supported this finding by the higher concentration of AA solute present on the surface of the membrane compared to that of AA feed for sample M7. Overall, this study successfully demonstrates the significance of TiO2 and PEG as high MW additives in improving PSf MMM performance.
  • Publication
    Microbial Fuel Cell Technology as Advanced Sewage Sludge Treatment
    ( 2023-01-01)
    Mohd Sabri M.N.I.
    ;
    Mohd Abdul Rasik N.A.
    ;
    Pusphanathan K.
    ;
    Mohd Zaini Makhtar M.
    ;
    The microbial fuel cell (MFC) has emerged as an innovative and sustainable renewable energy technology, offering a potential alternative to address the global energy crisis. Operating through electrochemical processes, MFCs harness the power of electrogenic bacteria (EB) as biocatalysts to generate electricity. This chapter highlights the untapped potential of sewage sludge, derived from wastewater treatment, as a valuable fuel source within the MFC system. Extensive research has demonstrated the abundance of organic components present in sewage sludge, making it highly amenable to degradation through microbiological pathways within the MFC. Despite the lack of large-scale commercial utilization of MFC technology in wastewater treatment plants, the significant progress and promising findings indicate its effectiveness in addressing the challenges associated with sewage sludge management. The MFC system not only facilitates the simultaneous generation of energy but also contributes to bioremediation efforts. The redox potential inherent in MFCs enables this dual functionality, effectively integrating energy production with the treatment of sewage sludge. This chapter sheds light on the potential of MFC technology as an advanced approach for sewage sludge treatment. By harnessing the capabilities of electrogenic bacteria and capitalizing on the rich organic composition of sewage sludge, MFCs offer a sustainable solution that can simultaneously address energy needs and promote efficient waste management in wastewater treatment plants. The abundant and promising data accumulated thus far underscore the viability and potential of MFCs in mitigating the challenges associated with sewage sludge waste.
  • Publication
    Green Renewable Energy: Microbial Fuel Cell Technology
    ( 2023-01-01)
    Tuesday M.
    ;
    Pusphanathan K.
    ;
    Sobri M.F.M.
    ;
    Makhtar M.M.Z.
    ;
    Shoparwe N.F.
    ;
    Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a bio-electrochemical system designed to generate energy by using electrons obtained from biological processes catalyzed by microorganisms. In MFCs, electrons are transmitted from the anode compartment (the negative terminal) to the cathode compartment (the positive terminal) via a conductive substance. Electrons are mixed with oxygen at the cathode, while protons diffuse via a proton exchange membrane. MFCs need continuous electron release from the anode and electron consumption from the cathode. Using microorganisms for effective conversion, MFC technology promises to produce clean energy from waste products produced by civilization. This technology, in contrast to renewable energy sources, recycles trash and energy created by our civilization and returns them to us, therefore reducing the adverse side effects of environmental degradation. This article examines the historical pattern of energy usage in Malaysia. In conjunction with that, this paper will review the principles of MFCs. Several designs of microbial fuel cells are utilized in this study. There has been variation in power density outcomes. Single-chamber, double-chamber, tubular, and flat-plate MFCs are examples of MFCs. Nonetheless, double-chamber and single-chamber MFCs are the focus of this paper. The substrate utilized affects the performance of MFCs; thus, several widely used substrates are also examined.
  • Publication
    Microbial Fuel Cell: Simultaneous Bioremediation and Energy Recovery Technology
    ( 2023-01-01)
    Pusphanathan K.
    ;
    Tuesday M.
    ;
    Mohamad Sobri M.F.
    ;
    Mohd Zaini Makhtar M.
    ;
    Shoparwe N.F.
    ;
    ;
    Zainuddin N.I.
    Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising technology for producing electricity from a variety of materials, including natural organic matter, complex organic waste, and renewable biomass, and can be advantageously combined with wastewater treatment applications. For this reason, it represents a superb option for a long-term, eco-friendly renewable energy supply. The current review article discusses about Malaysia's historical energy consumption trend. Following that, Malaysia experienced a revolution in energy-based policies, such as the National Energy Policy 1979, which focuses on the effectiveness of energy supply while minimising negative environmental impacts through the development of new technologies such as MFC technology. In addition, the concept and operation principle of MFC are discussed in this review. This paper focuses on single-chambered and dual-chambered MFC. The performance of MFCs is influenced by the substrate used so the various substrates that are commonly used today are also discussed.