A novel multifunctional photocatalytic membrane based on TiO2@S-AZMB/ZnTi-LDH composite with boosted antifouling and self-cleaning properties

Author Identifier (ORCID)

Ali Akbar Zinatizadeh: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0442-0841

Mehdi Khiadani: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1703-9342

Abstract

Developing antifouling and self-cleaning membranes for wastewater purification is still challenging. In this regard, a multifunctional photocatalytic membrane was fabricated by UV-grafting TiO2@S-AZMB/ZnTi-LDH (TSL) photocatalyst onto a Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer. The characteristic assessment illustrated improved physicochemical properties of the modified membranes’ surface. The optimal photocatalytic membrane (M−TSL0.03) had high hydrophilicity and less surface roughness, allowing it to have high permeation flux (179.16 L/m2.h) and outstanding antifouling properties (FRR of 95.52 %) and separation capability (DR23 dye removal of 97.4 %). Under visible light irradiation, the TSL photocatalyst with generating active species caused 19.1 and 17.9 % photodegradation of dyes, to increase the removal of dyes to 61.6 and 97.4 %, respectively. Notably, the photocatalyst-grafted membrane demonstrated outstanding flux as well as great antifouling, and dye removal performance throughout five cycles of biologically treated baker’s yeast effluent filtration. The dynamic antifouling studies revealed that the surface modification using TSL photocatalyst was potentially capable of overcoming the tradeoff between membrane permeability and selectivity via increase hydrophilicity, improve surface properties, and self-cleaning feature. Overall, this study aims to present new ideas for enhancing photocatalytic activity and pave the way for sustainable chemistry development in fabricating creative and efficient membranes.

Document Type

Journal Article

Date of Publication

1-1-2025

Publication Title

Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry

Publisher

Elsevier

School

School of Engineering

Comments

Dolatshah, M., Zinatizadeh, A. A., Zinadini, S., & Khiadani, M. (2025). A novel multifunctional photocatalytic membrane based on TiO2@S-AZMB/ZnTi-LDH composite with boosted antifouling and self-cleaning properties. Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiec.2025.10.047

Copyright

subscription content

Link to Full Text

Share

 
COinS
 

Link to publisher version (DOI)

10.1016/j.jiec.2025.10.047