Green synthesis of covalent organic frameworks for use in reclamation of saline water in water treatment plants

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Abstract
The shortage of potable water is worsening because natural water resources are becoming more depleted. Desalination technology is lacking in South Africa; this research seeks to fill the gap. KwaZulu-Natal is along the coast; this project is fitting since KwaZulu-Natal ground and surface water is expected to have high levels of salinity. Recent methods used are expensive, inefficient they are unsuitable in 3rd world countries that are developing like South Africa. This work focuses on a microwave-assisted synthesis involving Schiff-Base reaction between monomers to yield a product of a hydrazone-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) membrane. To confirm the products high scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) were used. The COFs that were successfully synthesised are going to be incorporated on a polyethersulfone (PES) substrate to form a mixed matrix membrane to be applied for desalination purposes and could also be applied for carbon dioxide capture.

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