In this study, it was attempted to
prove the effectiveness of nanoclays
as economical and nontoxic nanofillers through comparison with carbon
nanotubes (CNTs). Two hydrophilic nanoclays, namely, Cloisite 30B
and palygorskite (PGS), were used as nanofillers to improve the morphology
and performance of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ultrafiltration
(UF) membranes. A nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method
was used to prepare mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The effects of
the nanoclays on morphology, performance, and antifouling properties
of the prepared MMMs were investigated. It was found that compared
to PVDF membranes, the hydrophilicity, antifouling properties, and
morphology of the fabricated MMMs are improved significantly. Compared
to PVDF membranes, pure water flux (PWF) values of the MMMs containing
the optimum contents of Cloisite 30B (0.5 wt %) and palygorskite (1
wt %) improved by 44.7 and 61.7%, respectively. Acid-treated CNTs
were used as a reference additive, and the performance and antifouling
properties of the prepared PVDF/nanoclay MMMs were compared with the
prepared PVDF/acid-treated CNT MMMs. It was found that the PWF values
of the MMM containing optimum contents of PGS and Cloisite 30B nanoclays
are 86 and 77%, respectively, compared with that of the MMM containing
acid-treated CNTs. The PVDF/Cloisite 30B MMM exhibited lower PWF than
the PVDF/PGS MMM, which could be attributed to the plate-like structure
of Cloisite 30B. Also, the flux recovery ratio (FRR) values of the
mixed matrix membranes containing optimum contents of PGS and Cloisite
30B nanoclays were 95.65 and 92.06%, respectively, compared to that
of the MMM containing acid-treated CNTs. Also, the BSA rejections
of the prepared MMMs containing optimum contents of Cloisite 30B and
palygorskite were comparable with that of the MMM containing acid-treated
CNTs. Therefore, nanoclays can be suggested as economical and ecofriendly
nanofillers for improving the PVDF membrane performance.