Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes for fluid separation

The importance of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) as a membrane material has long been recognised in many membrane processes. Compared to other types of polymeric membranes, the PVDF membranes have received great attention because of its outstanding properties including high hydrophobicity, thermal stability, chemical resistance and excellent mechanical strength. This article provides an overview of recent development in PVDF membrane processes, focussing on the commercial PVDF membrane products for water and wastewater treatment and possible applications of PVDF membranes in areas such as membrane based gas absorption and membrane distillation where no substantial commercial PVDF membrane processes are available so far.