Influence of Dispersed TiO2 Nanoparticles via Steric Interaction on the Antifouling Performance of PVDF/TiO2 Composite Membranes

Zhang, Jie1,2,3,4; Jian, Zicong1; Jiang, Minmin2; Peng, Bo1; Zhang, Yuanyuan2; Wu, Zhichao5; Zheng, Junjian2

2022-11-01

10.3390/membranes12111118

MEMBRANES   Impact Factor & Quartile

2077-0375

Herein, the influence of various contents of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles and the comprehensive properties of PVDF/TiO2 composite membranes via the steric hindrance interaction was systematically explored. Hydrophilic PEG was employed as a dispersing surfactant of TiO2 nanoparticles in the pre-dispersion process and as a pore-forming additive in the following membrane preparation process. The slight overlap shown in the TEM image and low TSI value (<1) of the composite casting solution indicated the effective dispersion and stabilization under the steric interaction with a PEG content of 6 wt.%. Properties such as the surface pore size, the development of finger-like structures, permeability, hydrophilicity and Zeta potential were obviously enhanced. The improved antifouling performance between the membrane surface and foulants was corroborated by less negative free energy of adhesion (about -42.87 mJ/m(2)), a higher interaction energy barrier (0.65 KT) and low flux declination during the filtration process. The high critical flux and low fouling rate both in winter and summer as well as the long-term running operation in A/O-MBR firmly supported the elevated antifouling performance, which implies a promising application in the municipal sewage treatment field.

TiO2 nanoparticles dispersion steric interaction composite membrane antifouling performance

SCI

English

Corresponding

Professorial and Doctoral Scientific Research Foundation of Huizhou University[2020JB029] ; National Natural Science Foundation of China["51162026","52000046"] ; Special Project of Guangxi Science and Technology Base and Talent["GuiKe AD20297009","GuiKe AD20297007"] ; Middle-Aged and Young Teachers' Basic Ability Promotion Project of Guangxi["2020KY05039","2021KY0221"]

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology ; Chemistry ; Engineering ; Materials Science ; Polymer Science

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology ; Chemistry, Physical ; Engineering, Chemical ; Materials Science, Multidisciplinary ; Polymer Science

WOS:000883490500001

MDPI

Web of Science

1.Huizhou Univ, Sch Chem & Mat Engn, 46 Yanda Rd, Huizhou 516007, Peoples R China
2.Guilin Univ Elect Technol, Coll Life & Environm Sci, 1 Jinji Rd, Guilin 541004, Peoples R China
3.South Univ Sci & Technol China, Sch Environm Sci & Engn, 1088 Xueyuan Ave, Shenzhen 518055, Peoples R China
4.Natl Cheng Kung Univ, Dept Elect Engn, 1 Daxue Rd, Tainan 701401, Peoples R China
5.Tongji Univ, Sch Environm Sci & Engn, State Key Lab Pollut Control & Resource Reuse, 1239 Siping Rd, Shanghai 200092, Peoples R China

Zhang, Jie,Jian, Zicong,Jiang, Minmin,et al. Influence of Dispersed TiO2 Nanoparticles via Steric Interaction on the Antifouling Performance of PVDF/TiO2 Composite Membranes[J]. MEMBRANES,2022,12(11).

Zhang, Jie.,Jian, Zicong.,Jiang, Minmin.,Peng, Bo.,Zhang, Yuanyuan.,...&Zheng, Junjian.(2022).Influence of Dispersed TiO2 Nanoparticles via Steric Interaction on the Antifouling Performance of PVDF/TiO2 Composite Membranes.MEMBRANES,12(11).

Zhang, Jie,et al."Influence of Dispersed TiO2 Nanoparticles via Steric Interaction on the Antifouling Performance of PVDF/TiO2 Composite Membranes".MEMBRANES 12.11(2022).