Two and three dimensional of visual imaging for accurate interpretation of membrane morphology in application for concentration of lactalbumin

• Main Authors: Arahman, Nasrul, Silmina, Ambarita, Aulia Chintia, Fahrina, Afrilia, Yusni, Rosnelly, Cut Meurah, Mulyati, Sri, Aprilia, Sri, Baig, Maughal Ahmed Ali
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Copolymers; Filtration; Hydrophobicity; Membranes; Microscopy; Parameter modification; Polyethersulfones; Polymers; Pore formation; Pore size; Pore size distribution; Surface properties; Surface roughness; Visualization
• ISSN: 0094-243X; 1551-7616
• DOI: 10.1063/5.0125663

Inorganic pore-forming agent modification on the polyethersulfone (PES) polymer membrane may have a critical approach to membrane technology to reduce membrane hydrophobicity and improve filtration performance. However, the visualization and characterization of the inorganic pore-forming agent distribution and copolymer impact on membrane surface properties is a lack. In this study, polymer-based membrane polyethersulfone (PES) combined with pluronic (Plu) and nanocarbon (NC) were analyzed systematically. Hydrophobic and chemical distribution were mainly investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) that successfully resolved the pore size distribution and surface roughness parameters of pristine PES and modified PES/Plu/NC. The results showed that modified PES/Plu/NC had higher pore size distribution and surface roughness parameters than pristine PES and indicated that the PES membrane became more hydrophilic with Plu and NC addition. In the filtration performance, α-Lactalbumin has a higher permeability value using PES/Plu/NC than pristine PES membranes. Overall, the visualization and characterization approaches are essential for the filtration performance of polymer-based membrane modification.