Hybrid PVDF/PANI membrane for removal of dyes from textile wastewater

Treatment of textile wastewater has been a matter of considerable interest because of the potential toxicity, colloidal stability, and deformable nature of dyes. In this work, a novel polyaniline (PANI)/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hybrid membrane was developed to remove textile wastewater dyes. The hybrid membrane’s contact angle decreased by increasing the concentration of polyaniline in the PVDF matrix, enhancing the hybrid membrane’s hydrophilicity. Membrane properties, including porosity, anti-fouling property, solvent content, and pure water flux, were improved in the hybrid membrane compared to neat PVDF membranes. The purified water flux enhanced from 28 to 47 L /m2 h, which indicates the impact of PANI on the hydrophilicity of the hybrid membranes. Among the hybrid membranes, 3P exhibited 85% dye rejection at 0.1MPa operating pressure. Hence, the incorporation of PANI in the PVDF matrix was proposed to enhance the hybrid membrane’s dye rejection and anti-fouling properties.