Hydrophilic modification and anti-fouling properties of PVDF ultrafiltration membrane via blending of nano-particle MIL-101 MOFs

In this work, a new hydrophilic Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ultrafiltration membrane was prepared by blending of Metal-Organic frameworks (MOFs) -MIL-101 using the phase inversion method. The effect of the MIL-101 on the morphology and efficiency of the modified membranes was researched. The nano-particle and prepared membranes were all characterized by various physicochemical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and water contact angle. The experimental results showed that the modified membranes showed high hydrophilicity and increased pure water flux (up to 352.8 L/m2 •h) compared to the pure membrane. Furthermore, the antifouling properties of the membranes were improved. The 0.2wt% MIL-101/PVDF membrane demonstrated the highest flux recovery ratio (FRR) value (90.4%) and the lowest irreversible fouling resistance (Rir) value (9.6%). The oil rejection >99% for the 10,000 ppm engine oil/water mixture showed the modified membrane has a good treatment effect on oil-water separation. Blending low concentration of MIL-101 could endow the PVDF membranes had higher pure water flux, rejection rate and better antifouling property than the pure membrane.