Effect of various operating parameters towards PVDF/HMO mixed matrix membrane performance

Abstract

The development of antifouling membranes to separate oil/water emulsions in various environmental approaches is urgently needed. This work reports on the development of a mixed matrix membrane (MMM) using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) incorporated with self-synthesized hydrous manganese oxide (HMO). The filtration performance was compared to the pristine PVDF membrane in terms of flux and rejection efficiency. The membranes were characterized and evaluated under various operating parameters: different oil/water emulsion feed concentrations (50, 100, 500, and 1000 ppm), cycle stability, long-term membrane stability, and flux recovery ratio (FRR). When tested with a 1000 ppm oil/water emulsion feed concentration, the fabricated MMM exhibited higher flux performance of approximately eight folds compared to the pristine membrane, with the FRRs of 87% and 56%, respectively. After the eighth cycle, the performance of the MMM decreased gradually. However, the pristine membrane had completely collapsed at the end of the recyclability test. Furthermore, the modified PVDF/HMO MMM was physically stable for up to 6 h during the long-term stability study, indicating the potential of HMO in improving separation performance and the lifespan of MMM.