Poly(vinylidene fluoride) membrane preparation with an environmental diluent via thermally induced phase separation

Tributyl O-acetyl citrate, also called acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), a new, environmental friendly diluent was introduced to prepare flat sheet and hollow fiber poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes via thermally induced phase separation (TIPS). A phase diagram of PVDF/diluent is presented and the effect of different parameters such as polymer concentration, quenching temperature, air gap, and bore fluid temperature on the morphologies, properties, and water permeability of the PVDF membranes were investigated. The prepared PVDF membranes exhibited α form, and the mechanical properties and pure water flux are promising. •An environmental diluent ATBC was introduced to prepare PVDF membranes for the first time.•Phase diagram of PVDF and this environmental diluent was measured for the first time.•Both flat sheet and hollow fiber PVDF membranes were prepared using this new diluent for the first time.•Bicontinuous structure was formed using this new environmental diluent.