Synergistic effects of PVDF membrane surface functionalization with polydopamine and titanium dioxide for enhanced oil/water separation and photocatalytic behavior

• Published in: Journal of environmental chemical engineering 2024-02, Vol.12 (1), p.111854, Article 111854
• Main Authors: da Silva, Anderson Felipe Viana, Della Rocca, Daniela Gier, Moreira, Regina Fátima Peralta Muniz, Oliveira, J. Vladimir, Ambrosi, Alan, Di Luccio, Marco
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antifouling; Membrane process; Oily wastewater; Optimization; Photocatalysis
• ISSN: 2213-3437; 2213-3437
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2023.111854

This study investigates the surface modification of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes using polydopamine (PDA) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) for effective separation of oily compounds and self-cleaning photocatalytic behavior. The aim was to improve the antifouling properties of the membrane, which was modified by varied PDA and TiO2 concentrations and evaluated regarding the water permeance, total organic carbon (TOC) rejection, and photocatalytic degradation activity. The results demonstrated considerable improvements in the membrane's antifouling properties, achieving a water permeance of 781 kg h−1 bar−1 m−2, TOC rejection of 87%, and methylene blue photocatalytic degradation of 97%, using dopamine (DA) and TiO2 concentration of 0.92 g L−1 and 1.4% (w/w), respectively, and a solution agitation speed of 106 rpm. Additionally, flux recovery reached 86% after the photocatalytic self-cleaning process, indicating that TiO2 improved the membrane's antifouling properties. These findings highlight the potential of PDA and TiO2 as effective surface modifiers for enhancing oil/water separation, reducing fouling, and promoting self-cleaning effect in photocatalytic PVDF membranes. This study’s outcomes provide valuable insights for developing efficient and sustainable membrane-based separation processes for oily wastewater treatment applications. [Display omitted] •PVDF membranes modified with PDA and TiO2 have improved antifouling properties.•Water permeance reached 781 kg h−1 bar−1 m−2 and TOC rejection reached 87%.•Photocatalytic degradation capacity reaches 97% for Methylene Blue.•PDA-assisted modification improves self-cleaning with increased flux recovery by 86%.