Surface modification of PVDF membrane by simultaneously using low temperature plasma and ammonium carbonate solution

AbstractPolyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hollow fiber membrane was surface modified by low temperature O2 and H2O plasma and ammonium carbonate solution treatment, and used in membrane bioreactor (MBR). Effect of the modification on surface characteristics of PVDF membrane was investigated. The FE-SEM and AFM images of membrane showed that low temperature O2 and H2O plasma and ammonium carbonate solution treatment could markedly increase surface roughness of PVDF membrane. Water contact angle decreased obviously with the increase of low temperature plasma treatment time. Hydrophilicity of modified membrane enhanced distinctly. The mass fraction of oxygen of PVDF membrane surface increased markedly after plasma and ammonium carbonate solution treatment. The modification of membrane surface had no significant effect on the removal rates of pollutants when used in a MBR. It could improve antifouling property of membrane and decrease filtration resistance of membrane. The modification using low temperature plas...