LAUSR

Abstract Poly vinyl chloride (PVC) is functionalized using L-cysteine to get a zwitterionic effect. The obtained zwitterionic effect of L-cysteine induced PVC facilitated its utilization as separation membrane for complete As (V) removal. The functionalization was evidenced by ATR-IR, NMR spectroscopy and blended with polysulfone (PSf) in optimum composition to get a mechanically stable membrane. With a view to further enhance the charges of the blend; it was further made into a composite membrane by using TiO 2 nano fillers. The prepared membranes were characterized by XRD, EDX, SEM and ion exchange capacity (IEC). Water uptake (WU), contact angle (CA) and pure water flux (PWF) were analyzed to study the changed hydrophilicity and productivity of the membranes. Further these membranes were evaluated for removal of As (V) ions in various experimental conditions. The dual effect of zwitterion and TiO 2 NPs was profoundly deliberated. The membrane was found to work efficiently throughout the complete range of pH. Molecular weight cut-off study indicated that all the membranes belong to ultrafiltration range. The rejection efficiency was observed to be majorly governed by the charge on the membrane and a maximum of 85% arsenic rejection was achieved thus, signifying the development of zwitterionic membranes for potential removal of high concentration of arsenic in surface and ground waters unlike the existing membranes that are presently applied for ppb concentrations.