Preparation of PVDF/GO-SiO2 hybrid microfiltration membrane towards enhanced perm-selectivity and anti-fouling property

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) microfiltration (MF) membranes with enhanced perm-selectivity and antifouling property were successfully prepared by incorporating GO-SiO2 nanoparticles into PVDF matrix. Under the optimal GO-SiO2/PVP ratio of 0.5/1 (wt./wt.) in the casting solution, the prepared PVDF/GO-SiO2 hybrid membrane exhibited improved perm-selectivity with a water flux of 850 L/(m(2) h) and HA rejection of 92%. Compared with the pristine PVDF membrane, the optimized hybrid membrane exhibited 89% higher water flux without sacrificing its rejection, increased porosity and hydrophilicity. In addition, the PVDF/GO-SiO2 hybrid membrane also showed satisfactory antifouling performance (the lower irreversible fouling ratio of 37.4% and high recovery ratio of 62%) and good stability in the long-term performance test. (C) 2017 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.