Effects of nano sized zinc oxide on the performance of PVDF microfiltration membranes

This first-attempt study tended to modify polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) microfiltration (MF) membranes by addition of Nano ZnO particles via fabrication of the phase inversion method. The detailed structure and properties of these composite membranes were characterized by inspection of SEM, AFM, DSC, and contact angle, rejection of BSA aqueous solution, reclaimed water treatment and membrane resistances analysis. The findings showed that the membrane hydrophilicity was significantly improved with the addition of Nano ZnO content increasing from 0% to 1%. The membrane composed of 0.005% (weight) Nano ZnO particles showed the maximum pure water flux, the minimum surface roughness and the lowest membrane resistance. In fact, the improved hydrophilicity and decrease of roughness of the composite membrane enhanced the anti-fouling performance during the reclaimed water treatment. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.