Preparation and characterization of nanocomposite PVDF ultrafiltration membrane embedded with nanoporous SAPO-34 to improve permeability and antifouling performance

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Vatanpour Sargheın V., Yekavalangi M. E., Safarpour M.

SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY, vol.163, pp.300-309, 2016 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 163
  • Publication Date: 2016
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.seppur.2016.03.011
  • Journal Name: SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.300-309
  • Keywords: Mixed matrix membranes, PVDF, SAPO-34, Zeolite, Antifouling, MIXED MATRIX MEMBRANES, GRAPHENE OXIDE, NANOFILTRATION MEMBRANE, FOULING MITIGATION, CARBON NANOTUBES, GAS SEPARATION, HYDROPHILICITY, TIO2, FABRICATION, RESISTANCE
  • Istanbul Technical University Affiliated: No

Abstract

A novel polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ultrafiltration membrane blended with different concentrations of SAPO-34 nanoporous zeolite was fabricated by the non-solvent induced phase inversion method. The prepared blended membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water contact angle, porosity, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and permeation analyses as well as fouling and rejection tests. The SEM images of the membranes showed an asymmetric structure possessing a dense top-layer and a combination of spongy and finger-like porous sub-layer. The modified PVDF membranes had lower water contact angle, higher hydrophilicity and water flux due to the presence of hydrophilic SAPO-34 zeolite in the polymer medium. All of the nanocomposite membranes showed higher flux recovery ratio (FRR (%)) compared to the unfilled PVDF membrane. The membrane containing 0.5 wt% SAPO-34 had the best antifouling performance (FRR = 89.4%) with a bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection value more than 99%. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.