Comparison of PVDF porous membranes modified by two different methods using composite nano-particles

To improve the hydrophilicity and anti-fouling performance in water treatment,both entrapped method and deposited method were used to modify polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF)porous membrane with composite Al2O3/TiO2 nano-particles.Neat PVDF membrane was prepared and its property was also compared with that of the modified membranes.Membrane permeation flux and anti-fouling performance were measured using a membrane cell.The contact angle between water and membrane surface was detected in order to denote the membrane hydrophilicity.Membrane morphology and surface structure were examined by atomic-force microscopy(AFM)and scanning electron microscopy(SEM).Experimental results showed that modified membranes had higher permeation fluxes than that of the neat PVDF membrane.The addition of nano-particles altered membrane surface morphology and increased surface roughness.Due to the hydrophilicity of nano-particles,however,the membrane anti-fouling performance was improved instead of worsened.The entrapped membrane exhibited better anti-fouling performance than the deposited membrane and the neat membrane.