Effect of functionalized silica nanoparticles on sulfonated polyethersulfone ion exchange membrane for removal of lead and cadmium ions from aqueous solutions

•Incorporation of functionalized silica on SPES membrane was realized in order to improve elimination of Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions•The removal rate of Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions was higher using SPES membrane modified by amine functionalized silica at 8h of dialysis.•The separation between the Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions could be realized using SPES- SiO2-(CH2)3-NH2 membrane during 2 h of dialysis.•The separation between the two ions could even be possible with SPES- SiO2-(CH2)3-SH membrane during 8 h of solution treatment.