Preparation and Characterization of Ultrafiltration TiO2 Nanoparticles-Polysulfone Membranes

This paper presents the preparation route for new TiO2 nanoparticles-polysulfone membranes: M1 (Psf 12%), M2 (Psf 12% + TiO2 anatase), and M3 (Psf 12% + TiO2 76% anatase+ 24% rutile) that were structurally characterized by FTIR, TG-DSC and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDAX). Contact angle measurements, dead-end and cross-flow filtration experiments were carried out to characterize the morphology and hydrodynamic performance of the prepared membranes. Improved mechanical properties, enhanced hydrophilicity and the relative large water flux measured for M2-M3 (721.83 L/m2 h and 305.4 L/m2 h, respectively) in cross-flow filtration experiments, make these membranes appropriate for ultrafiltration applications.