Enhancement in performance of the PVC/nanoclay mixed matrix nanofiltration membrane

Structural and functional properties of a membrane describe its quality necessary to achieve the defined performance. Preparation of mixed matrix membrane (MMM) was performed considering the non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) method, relied immersion precipitation technique using dimethylformamide (DMF) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvents. Nanoclay particles (NCPs) at a certain weight were dispersed within the PVC polymer. Four different membranes were structurally characterized using FTIR, XRD, and EDS methods. Further analyses were on surface morphology using FESEM, and AFM. Nanofiltration experiment was conducted and functionality of the novel membranes was evaluated in terms of flux of water permeation (FWP), hydrophilicity character (contact angle determination), and salt rejection (SR) behavior. With use of 2 wt% NCPs, porosity and hydrophilicity characteristics of the resultant membrane increased by 15%, and 17%, respectively. Crystallinity nature of the composite membrane did not change considerably (XRD results). Pure water flux (PWF) and calculated salt rejection were 118.35 kg m⁻² h⁻¹, and 95%, respectively.