Kinetics studies on free radical scavenging property of ceria in polysulfone–ceria radiation resistant mixed-matrix membrane

Abstract Cerium oxide (ceria) contains two stable states of cerium ions (Ce 3+ and Ce 4+ ). The presence of these two states and the ability to swap from one state to another (Ce 3+ ↔ Ce 4+ ) by scavenging the highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from radiolysis of water, ensure the enhanced stability of polysulfone (Psf) membranes in the γ-radiation environment. In this study, the ROS scavenging ability of ceria was studied. Ceria nanoparticles were found to scavenge ROS like hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). The H 2 O 2 scavenging is due to the peroxidase-like catalytic activity of ceria nanoparticles. The ROS scavenging is responsible for offering protection to the Psf host matrix and in turn the stability to the Psf-ceria mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) in γ-radiation environment. Thus, presence of ceria nanoparticles provides an opportunity for utilizing Psf-ceria MMMs in ionizing radiation environment with increased life span, without compromise in the performance.