Utilization of Smartphone Light Sensors as Light Transmission Analyzer During the Obtaining of Polymeric Phase Inversion Membranes

Abstract

Smartphone sensors are gaining research interest due to continuous sensor upgrades, leading to more precise readings of these sensors. For this study, the light sensor of a smartphone was used in determining light transmittance during the phase inversion process of ultrafiltration polysulfone-membrane manufacturing. Membrane separation is one of the best available technologies when it comes to water and wastewater treatment. The purpose of this study was to correlate light transmittance, at certain demixing steps during phase inversion, with membrane porosity, pure water flux and cross-sectional SEM images. Results show close relation between light transmittance and the mentioned membrane properties.

Keywords

• membrane
• flux
• porosity
• light transmittance
• smartphone
• light sensor