Preparation, characterization and performance assessment of antifouling L-Lysine (C, N codoped)-TiO2/WO3-PES photocatalytic membranes: A comparative study on the effect of blended and UV-grafted nanophotocatalyst br

In this study, two sets of superior hydrophilic nanofiltration membranes, i.e., mixed matrix membranes and UV -grafted membranes by using L-Lysine (C, N codoped)-TiO2/WO3 (LTW) novel photocatalytic nanocomposite were prepared to amelioration the membrane performance and its antifouling properties. The structural and chemical characteristic, filtration performance, antifouling feature and photocatalytic behavior, and filtration reusability of the fabricated membranes were evaluated. All modified membranes showed better performance compared to the pristine ones. The LTW modified membranes via the UV-grafting method represented consid-erable enhancement in surface hydrophilicity and filtration performance (contact angle of 42.6o and flux of 49.65 kg/m2.h for optimal membrane). A significant improvement in flux recovery ratio (FRR, 96.96%) and other fouling resistance parameters after fouling was indicative of great antifouling property for these mem-branes. Also, the modified photocatalytic membrane exhibited excellent rejection of methyl red dye under visible light irradiation (99.01% for optimal UV-grafted membrane). The selected membrane demonstrated high self-cleaning behavior for dye photodegradation. Based on the findings of this study, UV-grafted photocatalytic membranes are expected to have a great potential for practical application in water treatment.

Automated summary

In this study, two sets of superior hydrophilic nanofiltration membranes were prepared using a novel photocatalytic nanocomposite, leading to significant enhancement in membrane performance and antifouling properties. Evaluation showed improved filtration performance and great potential for practical application in water treatment for the modified membranes, especially those via the UV-grafting method.