Effect of polymer template on structure and membrane fouling of TiO2/Al2O3 composite membranes for wastewater treatment

• Published in: Journal of industrial and engineering chemistry (Seoul, Korea) 2018, 57(0), , pp.55-63
• Main Authors: Ahmad, Rizwan, Kim, Jin Kyu, Kim, Jong Hak, Kim, Jeonghwan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Fouling; Photocatalytic membrane; Polymer template; TiO2; Wastewater treatment; 화학공학
• ISSN: 1226-086X; 1876-794X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2017.08.007

Photocatalytic TiO2 membranes with uniform pore structure was successfully developed by the formation of TiO2 layer on macroporous Al2O3 membrane using block copolymers for wastewater treatment applications. [Display omitted] •Photocatalytic membranes were prepared via sol–gel route using polymer template.•Uniform surface coating and lower pore-infiltration observed with PVC homopolymer.•PVC homopolymer exhibited better photocatalytic performance and fouling resistance.•With photocatalytic membranes, more than 95% dye degradation was observed.•Highest adsorption was observed using PVC homopolymer. A series of photocatalytic TiO2 membrane was prepared on macroporous Al2O3 support via sol–gel route using polymer templates including Pluronic block copolymers of P123, F127 and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) homopolymer. The TiO2 layer on Al2O3 support reduced permeability due to pore size reduction regardless of polymers applied. The TiO2/Al2O3 composite membrane under UV light reduced organic fouling. The PVC based-homopolymer showed highest adsorption capacity and catalytic function with TiO2/Al2O3 composite membrane. Organic removal efficiency of 95% was achieved by PVC based TiO2/Al2O3 composite membrane. The precoating with the PVC polymer template led to uniform TiO2 film by mitigating pore infiltration.