Enhanced Anti‐Fouling Properties of PVC Membranes Modified Using Purified Graphene and Graphene‐Montmorillonite Nanocomposites

ABSTRACT This study investigates the fabrication of high‐performance polyvinyl chloride (PVC) ultrafiltration membranes, modified with various nanomaterials, including pure montmorillonite, a montmorillonite‐graphene composite derived from recycled polymer waste, and acid‐purified graphene, using the phase inversion technique. The primary objective was to enhance membrane hydrophilicity and antifouling properties for efficient water purification. Structural changes induced by nanoparticle incorporation were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which revealed alterations in pore size and distribution. Contact angle measurements confirmed a significant improvement in hydrophilicity, with the 0.15% graphene‐modified membrane exhibiting a contact angle of 68°, compared with 85° for pristine PVC. This enhanced hydrophilicity directly translated to a substantial increase in pure water flux, from 194 kg.m −2 .hr. −1 to 554 kg.m −2 .hr. −1 . Moreover, the addition of the graphene‐montmorillonite composite significantly improved the membranes' resistance to fouling, as demonstrated by the increased flux of polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions at 100 ppm and 6000 ppm. The flux recovery ratio (%FRR) was notably higher in the modified membranes, indicating improved reversibility of fouling. This research highlights the effectiveness of incorporating these nanomaterials in PVC membranes to achieve superior water flux and antifouling characteristics.