Permeability and Antifouling Augmentation of a Hybrid PVDF-PEG Membrane Using Nano-Magnesium Oxide as a Powerful Mediator for POME Decolorization

Abstract

This study focused on developing a hydrophilic hybrid polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-polyethylene glycol (PEG) hollow membrane by incorporating Nano-magnesium oxide (NMO) as a potent antifouling mediator. The Nano-hybrid hollow fibers with varied loading of NMO (0 g; 0.25 g; 0.50 g; 0.75 g and 1.25 g) were spun through phase inversion technique. The resultants Nano-hybrid fibers were characterized and compared based on SEM, EDX, contact angle, surface zeta-potential, permeability flux, fouling resistance and color rejection from palm oil mill effluent (POME). Noticeably, the permeability flux, fouling resistance and color rejection improved with the increase in NMO loading. PVDF-PEG with 0.50 g-NMO loading displayed an outstanding performance with 198.35 L/m2·h, 61.33 L/m2·h and 74.65% of water flux, POME flux and color rejection from POME, respectively. More so, a remarkable fouling resistance were obtained such that the flux recovery, reversible fouling percentage and irreversible fouling percentage remains relatively steady at 90.98%, 61.39% and 7.68%, respectively, even after 3 cycles of continuous filtrations for a total period of 9 h. However, at excess loading of 0.75 and 1.25 g-NMO, deterioration in the flux and fouling resistance was observed. This was due to the agglomeration of nanoparticles within the matrix structure at the excessive loading.

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

“…The incorporation of TiO 2 nanofillers into a membrane dope produces larger pores on the membrane matrix [ 65 ]. The finger-like pores of the improved membranes become bigger with increasing TiO 2 loading (0.5–2.0 wt%) as shown in Figure 2 b,e [ 47 ]. This is attributed to the nucleation effects together with crosslinks produced amidst the TiO 2 and the polymeric materials [ 47 ].…”

“…The finger-like pores of the improved membranes become bigger with increasing TiO 2 loading (0.5–2.0 wt%) as shown in Figure 2 b,e [ 47 ]. This is attributed to the nucleation effects together with crosslinks produced amidst the TiO 2 and the polymeric materials [ 47 ]. However, from 0.5 to 1.0 wt%, uniform distribution of TiO 2 on the membrane matrix was observed as depicted in Figure 2 a,c.…”

“…It was noted that the flux for water and leachate filtration decreased to 207 and 156 L/m 2 ·h at a higher load of TiO 2 nanoparticles (1.5 wt%). This is attributed to the nanoparticles’ agglomerating effect on the membrane matrix [ 47 ], and heterogeneous dispersion of nanoparticles and obstruction of micropores on the surface of the membrane [ 68 , 69 ]. Moreover, the presence of agglomerated particles in the matrix structure could distort the additive’s surface area interface (TiO 2 ) and initiate more roughness on the exterior surface of the [ 66 ].…”

“…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.…”

Current Trends and Perspectives in the Application of Polymeric Materials to Wastewater Treatment

“…Eleven research works [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] by distinguished international authors were published within this SI on "Current Trends and Perspectives in the Application of Polymeric Materials for Wastewater Treatment", which covered a wide range of issues related to this topic.…”