Hydrogel/mineral-integrated interface for synergistic antifouling membrane

Abstract

Antifouling performance is significant for practical membrane separation, determining the membrane permselectivity, lifespan and maintenance cost. Integrating multi-component antifouling materials at the membrane interface is a promising solution for maximizing the membrane antifouling potential. Herein, a gel-mineral hybrid interface was constructed on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane via MnO2 mineralization induced by the tannic acid (TA)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) intermediate hydrogel layer. The resultant membrane exhibited superhydrophilicity and resulted in excellent enhancement in permeability and antifouling performance. The modified ultrafiltration membrane exhibited enhanced water flux, rejection of pollutants, and flux recovery rate (FRR) for organic solutions. The pure water flux of the optimal membrane is 40 % higher than that of PVDF. Most importantly, this hydrogel/mineral hybrid interface collectively resists the adhesion of pollutants and catalytic cleaning to remove pollutants. This integrated interface tailoring strategy paves a way for multi-scale antifouling separation membranes.