Polysulfone/TiO2 hybrid ultrafiltration membrane prepared by the sol-gel process

Polysulfone (PSF)/TiO2 hybrid ultrafiltration (UF) membranes with different TiO2 content were prepared by sol-gel method. The microstructure and the performances of such PSF/TiO2 membrane were investigated through the methods of SEM, XRD, TG/DTA, contact angle goniometer, UF experiments and mechanical strength tests. The results showed that at w(TiO2) = 9.3%, the macrovoids of PSF/TiO2 membranes disappeared, a network structure by bond conjunction between TiO2 Particles and PSF/PVP macromolecules was formed, the hydrophilicity, mechanical strength and thermal stability of the membranes were all improved, and the permeability was increased drastically combining with retention unchanged. However higher TiO2 content (w >= 11.9%) caused a serious nanoparticle aggregation to result in the performance decline of PSF/TiO2 membranes.