Multifunctional PVDF Membrane Modified with Nanocomposites for Membrane Fouling Mitigation

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane has been commonly used for wastewater treatment processes. However, they usually suffer from membrane fouling due to their hydrophobic property. In this study, a multifunctional PVDF microfiltration membrane was developed through ZnO–Ag nanocomposites to increase wastewater treatment efficiency. The developed membrane exhibited high surface hydrophilicity and organic/bio fouling resistance. Filtration experiments with secondary wastewater effluent as feed solution were carried out to evaluate the improvement of membrane performance in terms of permeate flux, pollutant rejection rate, and fouling resistance.