Stimuli responsive mixed matrix polysulfone ultrafiltration membrane for humic acid and photocatalytic dye removal applications

Abstract Current work discusses the synthesis and characterization of a pH and thermo-responsive poly (N-vinylcaprolactam-TiO2-acrylic acid) (VCL-TiO2-AA) polymer nanocomposite in various compositions of TiO2 and application of these nanocomposites for the modification of polysulfone (PSF) membranes. The stimuli responsive nanocomposite was directly blended to the membrane casting solution and this casting solution was used to synthesize membranes by phase inversion method. The modified membranes were analyzed for their hydrophilic, photocatalytic, pH, and thermo-responsive behavior. The membranes were characterized for their morphology by using FESEM. FTIR and FESEM-EDX analysis were carried out to analyze their elemental analysis. Furthermore, the effect of the synthesized stimuli responsive VCL-TiO2-AA polymer nanocomposite was analyzed on the membrane performance in terms of fouling, temperature and pH responsiveness, and photocatalytic removal of MB dye under dark and UV light conditions at different pH values. Furthermore, the ultrafiltration performance and antifouling nature of the modified membranes were investigated and analyzed.