University of Missouri

Baolin Deng

Jun Yin

Nitrogen doped TiO2 (N&#x2014;TiO2) is used to fabricate Poly(vinyledene fluoride) (PVDF)/N&#x2014;TiO2 mixed matrix hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) through a phase inversion method to improve filtration efficiencies and antifouling properties. The membranes performances were evaluated based on the water permeability, humic acid (HA) rejection and antifouling properties. Resulting membranes showed brown color and improved hydrophilicity, especially under light irradiation. When compared to original PVDF and PVDF/P25 membrane, mixed matrix membranes containing N&#x2014;TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) showed clear photocatalytic activities under visible light irradiation. Also, membrane performance assessments indicated that PVDF/N&#x2014;TiO2 membranes possessed enhanced water flux, similar HA rejection (e.g., above 96%) and improved fouling resistance with PVDF membranes as a control. The results demonstrate the potential of the suggested methodology for development of membranes with improved water permeability and superior antifouling properties based on photo-degradation processes and photo-induced hydrophilicity enhancement driven by solar light as a renewable energy source.

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Columbia, MO, United States of America

Baolin Deng