Effect of nano-sized ZnO particle addition on PVDF ultrafiltration membrane performance

摘要

In this study, a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ultrafiltration (UF) membrane was modified by dispersing nano-sized ZnO particles in a PVDF solution. PVDF membranes were fabricated by a phase inversion method. The permeation flux, mechanical properties, rejection of BSA aqueous solution and reclaimed water treatment were examined. The results indicate that the permeation flux of the modified membrane was lower than the neat PVDF membrane. The maximum tension force and tensile elongation length were improved initially for the modified membrane. The rejection of BSA aqueous solution was improved to 98.4%, while the neat PVDF membrane was 87.26%, and the relative water flux reduction was lower than the neat PVDF membrane. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of the reclaimed water treated by the modified membrane was 46.36%), while the neat PVDF membrane was 14.09%.