New Understanding of the Difference in Filtration Performance between Anatase and Rutile TiO<sub>2</sub> Nanoparticles through Blending into Ultrafiltration PSF Membranes
Iulian-Gabriel Birsan,
Stefan Catalin Pintilie,
Laurentia Geanina Pintilie,
Andreea Liliana Lazar,
Adrian Circiumaru,
Stefan Balta
Affiliations
Iulian-Gabriel Birsan
Department of Applied Sciences, Cross-Border Faculty, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 111th Domneasca Street, 800201 Galati, Romania
Stefan Catalin Pintilie
Department of Applied Sciences, Cross-Border Faculty, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 111th Domneasca Street, 800201 Galati, Romania
Laurentia Geanina Pintilie
Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 111th Domneasca Street, 800201 Galati, Romania
Andreea Liliana Lazar
Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 111th Domneasca Street, 800201 Galati, Romania
Adrian Circiumaru
Department of Applied Sciences, Cross-Border Faculty, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 111th Domneasca Street, 800201 Galati, Romania
Stefan Balta
Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 111th Domneasca Street, 800201 Galati, Romania
The blending of nanomaterials into a polymeric matrix is a method known for its ability, under certain circumstances, to lead to an improvement in membrane properties. TiO2 nanoparticles have been used in membrane research for the last 20 years and have continuously shown promise in this field of research. Polysulfone (PSf) membranes were obtained through the phase inversion method, with different TiO2 nanoparticle concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 wt.%) and two types of TiO2 crystalline structure (anatase and rutile), via the addition of commercially available nanopowders. Research showed improvement in all studied properties. In particular, the 0.5 wt.% TiO2 rutile membrane recorded an increase in permeability of 139.7% compared to the control membrane. In terms of overall performance, the best nanocomposite membrane demonstrated a performance index increase of 71.1% compared with the control membrane.
