Abstract
The approach of the present work is based on the use of poly (methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) polymer, which is compatible with PVDF and TiO&sub2; nanoparticles in casting solutions, for the preparation of nano-composites membranes using a safer and more compatible solvent. TiO&sub2; embedded poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/PMMA photocatalytic membranes were prepared by phase inversion method. A non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) coupled with vapor induced phase separation (VIPS) was used to fabricate flat-sheet membranes using a dope solution consisting of PMMA, PVDF, TiO&sub2;, and triethyl phosphate (TEP) as an alternative non-toxic solvent. Membrane morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Backscatter electron detector (BSD) mapping was used to monitor the inter-dispersion of TiO&sub2; in the membrane surface and matrix. The effects of polymer concentration, evaporation time, additives and catalyst amount on the membrane morphology and properties were investigated. Tests on photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) were also carried out using the membranes entrapped with different concentrations of TiO&sub2;. The results of this study showed that nearly 99% MB removal can be easily achieved by photocatalysis using TiO&sub2; immobilized on the membrane matrix. Moreover, it was observed that the quantity of TiO&sub2; plays a significant role in the dye removal.