A Facile Strategy toward the Preparation of a High-Performance Polyamide TFC Membrane with a CA/PVDF Support Layer

Abstract

In this study, polyamide (PA) thin-film composite (TFC) nanofiltration membranes were fabricated via interfacial polymerization on cellulose acetate (CA)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) support layers. Several types of CA/PVDF supports were prepared via the phase inversion method. With increasing CA, the PVDF membrane surface pore size decreased and hydrophilicity increased. The effect of the support properties on the performance and formation mechanism of PA films was systematically investigated via an interfacial polymerization (IP) process. The permselectivity of the resulting TFC membranes was evaluated using a MgSO4 solution. The results show that the desired polyamide TFC membrane exhibited excellent water flux (6.56 L/(m2·h·bar)) and bivalent salt ion rejection (>97%). One aim of this study is to explore how the support of CA/PVDF influences the IP process and the performance of PA film.

Preparation and Characterization of PVDF–TiO2 Mixed-Matrix Membrane with PVP and PEG as Pore-Forming Agents for BSA Rejection

“…The SEM images showed the morphological changes and suppressed the finger-like macro voids on the surface of the PVDF membrane, revealing the successful incorporation of TiO 2 nanoparticles, PVP, and PEG. The pure PVDF membrane surfaces had a larger pore size which is consistent with [ 19 ]. Noticeable changes in morphology were seen with the addition of inorganic TiO 2 nanoparticles and different pore-forming agents (PVP and PEG) in which the inner and outer finger-like macro voids were suppressed ( Figure 2 b–f).…”

“…Organic and inorganic nanomaterials have frequently been combined to imbue membranes with desirable functional properties [ 18 ]. A traditional PVDF casting membrane is prepared using the phase inversion method and mixing it with the hydrophilic polymer material is a simple and effective way to enhance the hydrophilic nature of the membranes [ 19 ]. Inorganic additives such as silica (Si), silica oxide (SiO 2 ), zirconium dioxide (ZrO 2 ), or titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) particles have been investigated for incorporation into membrane matrix to modify polymeric PVDF membrane surfaces [ 17 , 20 , 21 ].…”

“…Inorganic additives such as silica (Si), silica oxide (SiO 2 ), zirconium dioxide (ZrO 2 ), or titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) particles have been investigated for incorporation into membrane matrix to modify polymeric PVDF membrane surfaces [ 17 , 20 , 21 ]. Hydrophilic polymers, for example cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), have also been studied to modify PVDF membranes [ 18 , 19 ]. By incorporating nanoparticles (NPs) in the fabrication of nano-composite membranes, nanotechnology advancements have broadened avenues of membrane modification [ 22 ].…”

“…Incorporating inorganic materials into organic polymer matrices has piqued the interest of many researchers due to its simplicity, mild conditions, and stable performance [ 15 ]. Fouling mitigation benefits of NP-based membranes, such as self-cleaning or anti-fouling properties, have been frequently covered [ 19 , 23 ]. This is primarily due to the hydrophilic enhancement of the membrane by the incorporated NPs.…”

Application of Surface-Modified Nanoclay in a Hybrid Adsorption-Ultrafiltration Process for Enhanced Nitrite Ions Removal: Chemometric Approach vs. Machine Learning

“…The aim of the study presented in this section was to test a more retentive porous membrane for the removal of nitrite ions under the optimal conditions established previously by the SVM model (i.e., SD = 0.674% w / v and pH 7.0). The more retentive porous membrane was prepared in laboratory conditions using the phase-inversion method [ 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ]. In this respect, the non-reactive thermoplastic co-polymer PVDF-HFP was used as the primary polymeric material for membrane fabrication.…”