Preparation, performance and adsorption activity of TiO2 nanoparticles entrapped PVDF hybrid membranes

The TiO2 nanoparticles entrapped poly(vinylidenefluoride) (PVDF) hybrid membranes were prepared through impregnating the pre-treated PVDF film in the TiO2 suspension. SEM, XRD, TG and ATR-IR analyses were used to character the hybrid membranes. The results showed that the TiO2 nanoparticles with average size about 44nm were deposited on the surface and inner pores of PVDF films. The pre-treatment of PVDF with cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) is benefit for TiO(2)loading. The ATR-IR spectra revealed that physical interaction played important role in the construction of hybrid membranes. The adsorption behavior of Cu2+ on the hybrid membranes was studied, and a promoted adsorption and elution efficiency of PVDF/TiO2 hybrid membranes were observed compared with that of the pristine PVDF film. Meanwhile, the surface contact angle, pure water flux and static adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on the hybrid membranes were also measured to study the effects of TiO2 nanoparticles. It was found that the TiO2 nanoparticles improved the surface hydrophilicity and permeability of PVDF membranes, and the decreasing adsorption capacity of BSA indicated the promoted antifouling ability of PVDF membranes. Such the PVDF/TiO2 hybrid membranes exhibit potential applications in the separation and pre-concentration of metal ions. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.