2024 | Tamara W. Abood, Kadium M. Shabeeb, Aseel B. Alzubaydi, Qusay F. Alsalhy, Pei S. Goh, Ahmad F. Ismail, Adel Zrelli
This study investigates the effect of MXene Ti3C2 on the properties and performance of PVDF ultrafiltration membranes. MXene, a two-dimensional material derived from MAX Phase Ti3AlC2, was synthesized and incorporated into PVDF solutions to create mixed matrix membranes. The physical properties of these membranes were significantly improved, particularly in terms of hydrophilicity and antifouling capabilities. FESEM, FTIR, water contact angle, and porosity measurements were used to characterize the membranes. The addition of MXene reduced the hydrophobicity of the membranes, increasing their porosity and pore size. The membrane containing 0.5 wt% Ti3C2 (M3) exhibited the lowest contact angle and the highest porosity. M3 demonstrated the highest flux rates for pure water and protein solutions, measuring 538 L/m²·h and 467.8 L/m²·h, respectively. M3 also showed better protein rejection and flux recovery rates compared to the pristine membrane, with values of 96.6% and 59.6%, respectively. The study concludes that MXene Ti3C2 enhances the antifouling and water permeability of PVDF membranes, making it a promising material for improving membrane performance in ultrafiltration applications.This study investigates the effect of MXene Ti3C2 on the properties and performance of PVDF ultrafiltration membranes. MXene, a two-dimensional material derived from MAX Phase Ti3AlC2, was synthesized and incorporated into PVDF solutions to create mixed matrix membranes. The physical properties of these membranes were significantly improved, particularly in terms of hydrophilicity and antifouling capabilities. FESEM, FTIR, water contact angle, and porosity measurements were used to characterize the membranes. The addition of MXene reduced the hydrophobicity of the membranes, increasing their porosity and pore size. The membrane containing 0.5 wt% Ti3C2 (M3) exhibited the lowest contact angle and the highest porosity. M3 demonstrated the highest flux rates for pure water and protein solutions, measuring 538 L/m²·h and 467.8 L/m²·h, respectively. M3 also showed better protein rejection and flux recovery rates compared to the pristine membrane, with values of 96.6% and 59.6%, respectively. The study concludes that MXene Ti3C2 enhances the antifouling and water permeability of PVDF membranes, making it a promising material for improving membrane performance in ultrafiltration applications.