PVDF/SiO2-TiO2 Photocatalytic Membranes for Water Treatment

Abstract

Polymeric membranes have been widely used for many kinds of wastewater treatment. However, the fouling of membranes decreases their permeability. TiO2 is widely used for water treatment because its photocatalytic properties, stability, availability and desirable hydrophilicity properties. In the recent years, many researchers have investigated the possibility of coupling polymeric membrane filtration technology and TiO2 photocatalysis to improve membrane performance by reducing fouling and increasing hydrophilicity. Because TiO2 particles on the membrane surface not only increase membrane hydrophilicity, but also create a photocatalytic property, formation of cake layer and blocking of membrane pores are prevented. So, the polymeric membranes with TiO2-based photocatalysts provide an opportunity for wastewater treatment.In previous studies, our group revealed that PVDF/TiO2 hybrid hollow fiber membrane through a phase inversion method to improve filtration efficiencies and antifouling properties.In the present work, SiO2 as inorganic material into PVDF membrane matrix increases the membrane permeability. SiO2 modified PVDF/TiO2 hybrid hollow fiber membrane is prepared by similar strategy. The membranes performances are evaluated based on the water permeability, humic acid (HA) rejection and antifouling properties. And this work focuses on the long-term stability and antifouling performance, especially under visible light.