Fabrication of PVDF/HMO mixed matrix membrane: Effect of HMO loading on oil/water separation

Abstract

In this research, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer was mixed with hydrous manganese oxide (HMO) nanoparticles to form a mixed matrix membrane (MMM) with excellent wetting properties to separate oil/water emulsion. Accordingly, the effects of different HMO loading (3, 5, 7 and 10 wt%) on the membrane's water flux and oil rejection performance were studied. The characteristics of the MMM were demonstrated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), as well as water and oil contact angle analysis. The HMO nanoparticles, which has large amounts of hydroxyl (-OH) groups, enhanced the membrane's hydrophilicity. The fabricated MMM became hydrophilic and underwater oleophobic with the presence of -OH groups on the membrane surface. Specifically, the MMM surface repelled the oil droplets and had high affinity towards the water molecules, thereby demonstrating good oil/water separation performance. PVDF/HMO with 10 wt% of HMO had the highest water flux (402 L/m2.h) and oil rejection rate (93%).