The effect of increment of hydrophilicity on self-cleaning property of membrane

Fouling is one of the most important problems present in almost all membrane processes. In this research, TiO2 particles were self-assembled on the surface of composite UF membrane and the effect of keeping membrane in the water after radiation of UV light on the increase of hydrophilicity and self-cleaning property of the membrane has been studied. The coating of membrane surface with TiO2 particles and radiation with UV light, results in a creation of photocatalytic and superhydrophilicity properties on the surface of membrane. The flux through a coated and UV light irradiated membrane increased in comparison with a virgin membrane. By immersing the coated membrane in distilled water before usage, the flux of whey of the membrane was more compared to that was used immediately after radiation by UV light and without keeping in the water. This phenomenon is due to increasing of the hydrophilicity of the membrane. Due to the counteraction of hydrophilicity and phtocatalysis, photocatalytic property of the membrane surface increases. Therefore the membrane increases, fouling decreases and as a result an increment in the membrane flux self-cleaning can be observed.