Fouling decline and retention increase of polyvinyl chloride nanofiltration membranes blended by polypyrrole functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes

In this study, preparation, characterization and performance of polyvinyl chloride mixed matrix nanofiltration membrane containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes functionalized by polypyrrole (PPy-MWCNTs) was studied. The novel membranes were prepared by the immersion precipitation phase inversion method. The synthesized PPy-MWCNTs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. The performance and properties of the fabricated nanocomposite membranes was studied by FTIR-ATR spectrum, SEM images, pure water flux, water contact angle, porosity, permeation measurements, fouling parameters, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and dye rejection tests. Results showed enhancement in pure water flux from about 59.7 L/m²h for the bare membrane to 75.2 L/m²h in the presence of 0.25 wt% PPy-MWCNTs. In addition, the fabricated membranes demonstrate effective rejection for Reactive Blue 50 dye (95%) and BSA (98%). Flux recovery ratio and the antifouling properties during BSA filtration were improved in the hybrid membranes.