Piezoelectric membranes for separation processes: Fabrication and piezoelectric properties

• Published in: Journal of membrane science 2013-05, Vol.434, p.184-192
• Main Authors: Darestani, M.T., Coster, H.G.L., Chilcott, T.C., Fleming, S., Nagarajan, V., An, H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; artificial membranes; Chemistry; Colloidal state and disperse state; crystals; differential scanning calorimetry; electric field; Exact sciences and technology; Exchange resins and membranes; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; General and physical chemistry; Membranes; microstructure; Morphology; Piezo-response force microscopy; Piezoelectric response; Poly (vinylidene fluoride); Polymer industry, paints, wood; scanning electron microscopy; Technology of polymers
• ISSN: 0376-7388; 1873-3123
• DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2013.01.035

Piezoelectric membranes were produced by “poling” prefabricated polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes in an electric field. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies revealed that electrical poling changed the microstructure of membranes significantly. Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements confirmed the formation of β-phase crystals in PVDF membranes as a result of poling in an intense electric field. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and measurement the surface displacement when the membranes were energized by AC signals, confirmed that the poled membranes were piezoelectric. Piezo-response force microscopy (PFM) analysis showed that the piezoelectric domains were not uniformly distributed over the sample. ► Method for fabrication of novel anti-fouling piezoelectric membranes is described. ► Poling in an intense electric field was used to impart piezoelectric properties to PVDF membranes. ► Crystalline and microstructure of PVDF were changed during poling process. ► Poled membranes were able to generate electric signal when subjected to mechanical deformations.► When energized by an AC signal, these membranes were vibrating as detected by a laser vibrometer.