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. Herein, a novel polyaniline (PANI)/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hybrid membrane is developed to remove textile wastewater dyes. The hybrid membrane's contact angle decreases by increasing the concentration of polyaniline in the PVDF matrix, enhancing the hybrid membrane's hydrophilicity. Membrane properties, including porosity, antifouling property, solvent content, and pure water flux, are improved in the hybrid membrane compared with neat PVDF membranes. The purified water flux is enhanced from 28 to 47 L m(-2) h, which indicates the impact of PANI on the hydrophilicity of the hybrid membranes. Among the hybrid membranes, 3P exhibits 85% dye rejection at 0.1 MPa operating pressure. Hence, the incorporation of PANI in the PVDF matrix is proposed to enhance the hybrid membrane's dye rejection and antifouling properties.