influence of boehmite nanoparticles on the antifouling properties of polysulfone ultrafiltration membrane

Fouling is the serious problem in membrane filtration process. One of the practical methods to reduce fouling is the use of hydrophilic nanoparticles. In this study the influences of boehmite nanoparticles on fabrication of polysulfone membranes were investigated and blended membranes with good antifouling properties were prepared. Boehmite is a hydrophilic nanoparticle containing hydroxyl groups on its surface. The hydrophilicity and pure water flux of the membranes were improved by incorporating of boehmite nanoparticles. Membrane fouling was studied with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as protein model. The protein UF experiments showed that the incorporation of boehmite nanoparticles reduced membrane fouling, especially irreversible fouling. The 1 wt. % boehmite/PSF membrane exhibited the highest FRR value of 94% and the lowest irreversible fouling resistance (Rir) value of 5.8%. Furthermore, modified membranes revealed good antifouling properties and desirable ultrafiltration performance which might expand the usage of PSF in water treatment and also could make some potential contributions to membrane antifouling.

کلیدواژه ها:

Ultrafiltration membrane ، Modification ، Boehmite nanoparticles ، Antifouling properties ، Flux recovery