Preparation and characterization of PSF-TiO2 hybrid hollow fiber UF membrane by sol–gel method

Abstract

Organic–inorganic hybrid polysulfone (PSF)-titanium dioxide (TiO2) hollow fiber ultrafiltration (UF) membranes were prepared by sol–gel process and dry–wet spinning method. The effects of added TiO2 nanoparticles on membranes properties and morphologies were investigated by SEM, FT-IR, DSC, contact angle goniometer, UF experiments and so on. The results show that the membrane is a double-row finger-like pore structure, and with the increase of TiO2 content, the volume of finger-like pores increases first and then decreases. The organic–inorganic network structure forms between the TiO2 nanoparticles and the PSF chain introduced by the sol–gel method leads to an increase in the porosity, mechanical strength and thermal stability of the membrane. The addition of TiO2 improves the hydrophilicity, permeability and anti-fouling properties of the membrane. However, high TiO2 concentration induces nanoparticles aggregate, resulting in the decline of hydrophilicity, permeability and anti-fouling properties. So added the right amount of TiO2 nanoparticles can give the membrane better UF performance, mechanical properties and antifouling properties as well as longer service life.