Effect of polymer template on structure and membrane fouling of TiO2/Al2O3 composite membranes for wastewater treatment

Abstract A series of photocatalytic TiO 2 membrane was prepared on macroporous Al 2 O 3 support via sol–gel route using polymer templates including Pluronic block copolymers of P123, F127 and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) homopolymer. The TiO 2 layer on Al 2 O 3 support reduced permeability due to pore size reduction regardless of polymers applied. The TiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 composite membrane under UV light reduced organic fouling. The PVC based-homopolymer showed highest adsorption capacity and catalytic function with TiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 composite membrane. Organic removal efficiency of 95% was achieved by PVC based TiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 composite membrane. The precoating with the PVC polymer template led to uniform TiO 2 film by mitigating pore infiltration.

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