Enhanced anti-fouling performance in Membrane Bioreactors using a novel cellulose nanofiber-coated membrane

The filtration performance, fouling and flux recovery efficiency of a novel thin film nanofibrous compositecellulose nanofiber (TFNC-CNF) coated membrane was studied and compared with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes treating domestic wastewater. The enhanced anti-fouling property of the TFNC-CNF membrane was associated with the super-hydrophilic nature and negative charge on the membrane surface. The deadend cell filtration tests demonstrated the TFNC-CNF membrane recovered more than 90% of the initial flux after mechanical cleaning, compared with 26-43% recovery by PVDF membranes. Continuous wastewater ultrafiltration tests with mechanical air scouring confirmed the outstanding permeability (71.3-138.9 LMH/bar) and the superior anti-fouling characteristics (59.2-86.8% recovery of the initial flux) of the TFNC-CNF membrane. Furthermore, higher total organic carbon rejection rates were also observed in the TFNC-CNF membrane (>83.2%) than the PVDF membrane (<69.8%). Collectively, the superior flux recovery and high permeability makes the TFNC-CNF membrane a promising material for membrane bioreactors.

Automated summary

The TFNC-CNF membrane showed superior anti-fouling properties, high flux recovery efficiency, and excellent permeability compared to PVDF membranes, making it a promising material for membrane bioreactors.