Development of a novel high-flux PVDF-based ultrafiltration membrane by embedding Mg-Al nanolayered double hydroxide

Abstract Mg-Al nanolayered double hydroxide (Mg-Al NLDH) as a hydrophilic filler was used to develop a high-flux PVDF-based ultrafiltration membrane. The prepared blended membranes were characterized using SEM, EDAX, AFM and water contact angle techniques. The results indicated that the pure water flux was significantly increased from 473.8 L/m2 h for the bare (M-0) to 702.2 L/m2 h for blended membrane containing 0.5 wt% of Mg-Al NLDH (M-0.5). The performance of the bare and optimum membrane containing 0.5 wt% of NLDH was investigated for whey protein concentration, and the results indicated that the blended membrane had better antifouling property.