Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropene) nanocomposite membranes for water purification

Clean drinking water availability is a major problem for developing countries. Membranes technology has become a popular filtration technique and plays a significant role in separation of unwanted constituents such as organic... [ view full abstract ]

Clean drinking water availability is a major problem for developing countries. Membranes technology has become a popular filtration technique and plays a significant role in separation of unwanted constituents such as organic and inorganic pollutants. Herein, the study has focus on the preparation of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropene) (PVDF-HFP) doped with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and silver nanoparticles. Among various membrane compositions, PVDF-HFP possesses high dielectric constant and good mechanical properties among others. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used as doping material because they display remarkable electrical, thermal and mechanical properties. Silver nanoparticles have been extensively researched due to their high antibacterial activity. The nanocomposite membrane were prepared by a phase inversion method, and characterised by Thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The membranes displayed improved porosity, swellability, water content and high salt rejection of NaCl. The membranes were also used to filter contaminated water with E. coli (ATCC 25922) and demonstrated high microbial load reduction and high antibacterial activity. The findings substantiate the reliability of nanocomposite membranes in water purification, which may ultimately safe drinking water for regions of the world stricken by periodic drought or where water contamination is rife.