Sequential physicochemical modification of polysulfone membrane for enhanced bioethanol recovery from fermentation broth

Abstract

A successful membrane-based ultrafiltration method was applied to clarify bioethanol fermentation broth (BFB). Polysulfone (PSf) membranes underwent physicochemical modification using nano-ZnO, UV radiation, and a PVA crosslinked coating. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed synergistic effects, supported by SEM and AFM images showing increased membrane porosity and a hydrophilic surface layer. The modified membrane exhibited excellent filtration performance with a permeate flux of 60.5 L m−2 h−1, 380 times higher than the neat PSf membrane. This was reinforced by the results of anti-biofouling analysis, which show the lowest FDR value, along with the greatest pollutant removal and lesser ethanol loss. These modifications hold great potential for BFB clarification in various separation processes.

Keywords

• Bioethanol
• Biofouling
• Hydrophilic
• Membrane filtration
• Yeast cell separation