Study the self cleaning, antibacterial and photocatalytic properties of TiO2 entrapped PVDF membranes

The modified PVDF membranes were prepared by adding different amounts of TiO2 particles (0-4 wt.%) into the casting solution. The TiO2 entrapped PVDF membranes (0-4% PVDF/TiO2) were tested for its antibacterial property by using Escherichia Coliform (E Coli), photoactive property using Reactive Black 5 (RB5) dye and self cleaning (antifouling) properties by fouling using 1% BSA solution. Results showed that TiO2 addition significantly affects the pore size and hydrophilicity of the PVDF/TiO2 membrane. This also improves the flux and permeability of modified PVDF/TiO2 membrane. The results of antibacterial study showed that the composite PVDF/TiO2 membrane removes E. Coli at a very faster rate than neat PVDF membrane and membrane with 4% TiO2 possess highest antibacterial property. The RB5 dye removal using PVDF/TiO2 occurs under UV by photolysis and photocatalysis mechanisms. The rate of RB5 dye color removal was faster as compared to the rate of aromatic ring structure. The resistance study showed 2% TiO2 membrane having lower fouling resistance as compared to others. The fouling resistance caused by loosely bound protein (R-c) was lower than the strongly bound protein (R-f). The performance of fouled membranes flux and TMP can be recovered to its initial value by simple UV treatment. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.