Performance of PVDF-TiO Membranes during Photo-Filtration in the Presence of Inorganic and Organic Components.

In this study, the anti-fouling performance of PVDF-TiO composite membranes, indicated by their permeate flux, was studied with different types of synthetic feed solutions. Photo-filtration (filtration under continuous UV irradiation) of solutions containing inorganic and organic components, which are ubiquitous in drinking/natural water, was performed to evaluate their influence on the photo-induced properties and performance of the membranes. The results indicated that inorganic fouling was unlikely to occur on PVDF-TiO membranes, and the presence of common inorganic ions in drinking water did not hinder their performance.

Influence of Preparation Temperature on the Properties and Performance of Composite PVDF-TiO Membranes.

Composite PVDF-TiO membranes are studied extensively in literature as effective anti-fouling membranes with photocatalytic properties. Yet, a full understanding of how preparation parameters affect the final membrane structure, properties and performance has not been realized. In this study, PVDF-TiO membranes (20 wt% TiO/PVDF) were fabricated via the non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method with an emphasis on the preparation temperature.

Modification of tubular ceramic membranes with carbon nanotubes using catalytic chemical vapor deposition.

In this study, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were successfully grown on tubular ceramic membranes using the catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) method. CNTs were synthesized at 650°C for 3-6 h under a 120 mL min(-1) flow of C2H6 on ceramic membranes impregnated with iron salt. The synthesis procedure was beforehand optimized in terms of catalyst amount, impregnation duration and reaction temperature, using small pieces of tubular ceramic membranes.