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

Abstract

Polymeric membranes offer straightforward modification methods that make industry scaling affordable and easy; however, these materials are hydrophobic, prone to fouling, and vulnerable to extreme operating conditions. Various attempts were made in this study to fix the challenges in using polymeric membranes and create mixed-matrix membrane (MMMs) with improved properties and hydrophilicity by adding titanium dioxide (TiO2) and pore-forming agents to hydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The PVDF mixed-matrix ultrafiltration membranes in this study were made using the non-solvent phase inversion approach which is a simple and effective method for increasing the hydrophilic nature of membranes. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as pore-forming chemicals were created. Pure water flux, BSA flux, and BSA rejection were calculated to evaluate the mixed-matrix membrane’s efficiency. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution was employed in this study to examine the protein rejection ability. Increases in hydrophilicity, viscosity, and flux in pure water and BSA solution were achieved using PVP and PEG additives. The PVDF membrane’s hydrophilicity was raised with the addition of TiO2, showing an increased contact angle to 71°. The results show that the PVDF–PVP–TiO2 membrane achieved its optimum water flux of 97 L/(m2h) while the PVDF–PEG–TiO2 membrane rejected BSA at a rate greater than 97%. The findings demonstrate that use of a support or additive improved filtration performance compared to a pristine polymeric membrane by increasing its hydrophilicity.

Molecular dynamics coupled with experimental study of the effects of polyethylene glycol on the structure and antifouling properties of polyethersulfone membranes

“…Li reported that when the casting solution contained PEG 200 additive the resulting membrane was thermodynamically less stable than those produced with PEG 400 and PEG 600 9 . Amirilargani and Mohammadi found that, when the molecular weight of PEG increased from 400 to 1500 and 6000 Da, increasing numbers of macrovoids and larger finger‐like pores occurred in the membrane 10–12 . But Lee indicated that the membrane pore structure mainly depended on the concentration of PEG 13 …”

“…PEG, as an additive in the casting solution, plays an important role as a pore formation agent 7–11 . Li reported that when the casting solution contained PEG 200 additive the resulting membrane was thermodynamically less stable than those produced with PEG 400 and PEG 600 9 .…”

“…PEG, as an additive in the casting solution, plays an important role as a pore formation agent. [7][8][9][10][11] Li reported that when the casting solution contained PEG 200 additive the resulting membrane was thermodynamically less stable than those produced with PEG 400 and PEG 600. 9 Amirilargani and Mohammadi found that, when the molecular weight of PEG increased from 400 to 1500 and 6000 Da, increasing numbers of macrovoids and larger finger-like pores occurred in the membrane.…”

“…9 Amirilargani and Mohammadi found that, when the molecular weight of PEG increased from 400 to 1500 and 6000 Da, increasing numbers of macrovoids and larger finger-like pores occurred in the membrane. [10][11][12] But Lee indicated that the membrane pore structure mainly depended on the concentration of PEG. 13 The PEG can affect not only the structure but also the performance of membranes.…”

Development and characterization of porous membranes based on PPSU/PES using polyethylene glycol as porogen: Application for cobalt removal by polyelectrolyte‐enhanced ultrafiltration

“…32 It was established that the permeability of PPSU composite membrane and porosity, hydrophobicity and fouling resistance were increased with PEG addition to the casting solution. 33,34 In addition, the hydrophilic nature of PEG influences the solvent and non-solvent exchange rate during the phase-inversion process and it has a great influence on the pore size, pore distribution and filtration flux. 35 In the current research, a PPSU composite membrane was prepared using the phase-inversion process.…”