Utilization of Nano-TiO2 as an Influential Additive for Complementing Separation Performance of a Hybrid PVDF-PVP Hollow Fiber: Boron Removal from Leachate

Abstract

The continuous increase in anthropogenic activities resulting in an increase in boron concentration in the environment is becoming a serious threat to public health and the ecosystem. In this regard, a hybrid polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) hollow fiber was synthesized with hydrophilic nano-titanium oxide (TiO2) at varied loadings of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt% using the phase inversion technique. The resultant membranes were characterized in terms of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), contact angle, porosity, and zeta potential. The permeability flux was assessed using both pure water and leachate; also, rejection performance was evaluated based on boron removal from the leachate. The results revealed that the membrane with 1.0 wt% loading had the highest flux alongside an upturn in boron rejection percentage of 223 L/m2·h and 94.39%, respectively. In addition, the lowest contact angle of 50.01° was recorded with 1.0 wt% TiO2 loading, and this implies that it is the most hydrophilic. Throughout the experiment cycles, the fiber with 1.0 wt% TiO2 loading demonstrated a high flux recovery varying between 92.82% and 76.26% after 9 h filtration time. The physicochemical analysis of the permeate revealed that the boron concentration was significantly reduced to 0.43 mg/L, which is far lower than the discharge limit of 1.0 mg/L.

Novel PVDF-PVP Hollow Fiber Membrane Augmented with TiO2 Nanoparticles: Preparation, Characterization and Application for Copper Removal from Leachate

“…This can be due to a heterogeneous dispersion of nanoparticles, a reduction in the surface potential, and a clogging of membrane pores [ 68 , 69 ]. The findings of the present and previous investigations revealed that the existence of TiO 2 nanoparticles in the matrix structure of the improved fibers enhances its hydrophilicity [ 41 ]. In addition, scholars have also revealed that most polymer membranes with strong hydrophilic characteristics are more likely to survive fouling [ 65 , 70 ].…”

“…The procedure employed in the membrane dope preparation has been explained in a previous study [ 41 ]. Table 1 present the proportions of solvents, polymers, additives, and nanoparticles used in the dope formulation.…”

“…Kontoudakis et al [52] removed copper from white wine by membrane filtration and recorded a significant reduction. Amongst the various nanoparticles, TiO 2 demonstrated a noticeable influence on the performance of the membranes for the removal of metal ions as reported from several studies [41,[53][54][55][56]. The introduction of 1.0 wt% TiO 2 into membrane matrix structure improves the hydrophilicity and makes the surface more negatively charged.…”

“…The metal oxide nanoparticles have been frequently used as an additive to increase the membrane performance [ 37 ]. Typically, numerous nanoparticles such as ZnO [ 38 , 39 ], TiO 2 [ 40 , 41 ], Ag 2 O 3 [ 42 , 43 ], Al 2 O 3 [ 44 ], graphene oxide [ 45 , 46 ], MgO [ 47 ], and CuO [ 48 ] are frequently employed for the manipulation of a polymeric membranes to augment its hydrophilicity properties. For instance, Song et al [ 49 ] achieved a higher removal of nickel and copper by membrane separation using hydrophilic nanoparticles ion exchange barrier.…”

Recent Advances in the Rejection of Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds from Water Using Membrane and Membrane Bioreactor Technologies: A Review

“…There is no doubt that polymeric membranes are highly susceptible to fouling, which is a major drawback for the efficient operation of membrane systems in recent years. Considerable reviews have been dedicated to advancing the utilization of nanoparticles in membrane technologies [ 246 , 250 , 253 , 268 , 269 ].…”