Tailoring the RhB removal rate by modifying the PVDF membrane surface through ZnO particles deposition

Abstract

In this work, PVDF membranes coated with ZnO particles were prepared to study the influence of the loading concentration on RhB pollutant removal. The PVDF membranes prepared by phase inversion method contain a mixture of α and β phases as identified by correlating the XRD and FT-IR results. The mean pore size evaluated by SEM measurements is about 4 μm and the asymmetric structure of the membrane was highlighted. The presence of ZnO particles on PVDF membrane was evidenced by XRD, SEM and EXD measurements. By coating with ZnO particles the hydrophilic character of the membrane was improved. The RhB removal was realized using a combined process of two competitive methods: adsorption and photocatalysis. By increasing the ZnO loading the removal efficiency was enhanced. Additionally, the electron spin resonance spectroscopy coupled with spin trapping technique was used to evidence the generation of reactive oxygen species during irradiation, the presence of both hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical being proven.