Production of Silk Fibroin Membrane for Heavy Metal Removal in Water
Issued Date
2026-03-01
Resource Type
ISSN
00496979
eISSN
15732932
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105025169940
Journal Title
Water Air and Soil Pollution
Volume
237
Issue
5
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Water Air and Soil Pollution Vol.237 No.5 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Sudsandee S., Dokmaingam P., Mingkhwan R., Kiangkoo N., Worakhunpiset S., Hu C.C., Laohaprapanon S., Boonying P. Production of Silk Fibroin Membrane for Heavy Metal Removal in Water. Water Air and Soil Pollution Vol.237 No.5 (2026). doi:10.1007/s11270-025-08960-6 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/114600
Title
Production of Silk Fibroin Membrane for Heavy Metal Removal in Water
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Silk fibroin (SF) membranes derived from Bombyx mori cocoons were fabricated using salt-induced phase separation and thermal annealing. A 5% silk fibroin solution was blended with sodium chloride (NaCl) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) to enhance porosity and structural integrity. Among the fabricated membranes, the SF/NaCl membrane exhibited superior surface porosity, enhanced hydrophilicity, and higher β-sheet crystallinity compared to both pure SF and SF/PEG membranes. These characteristics were confirmed through morphological and spectroscopic analyses. The SF/NaCl membrane was subsequently evaluated for its ability to remove cadmium (Cd<sup>2+</sup>), lead (Pb<sup>2+</sup>), and mercury (Hg<sup>2+</sup>) ions from contaminated water. Experimental results revealed that operational parameters such as pressure, pH, and temperature significantly influenced removal efficiency. Under optimal conditions, maximum removal efficiencies were 45.36% for Cd<sup>2+</sup>, 61.43% for Pb<sup>2+</sup>, and 86.87% for Hg<sup>2+</sup>. Corresponding maximum adsorption capacities reached 8.50 mg/g (Cd<sup>2+</sup>), 6.42 mg/g (Pb<sup>2+</sup>), and 41.14 mg/g (Hg<sup>2+</sup>), under optimal conditions. These findings highlight the potential of the SF/NaCl membrane as a sustainable and efficient material for mercury removal in water treatment, owing to its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical stability.