حبیب اعتمادی

A novel polycarbonate (PC) membrane was modified with titanium dioxide via nonsolvent-induced phase separation method to improve its hydrophilicity and antifouling properties in a submerged membrane system for the removal of humic acid (HA) both with and without polyaluminum chloride (PAC) coagulant. The effect of TiO2 additive on the morphology and performance of the nanocomposite membranes was studied by atomic force microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, mechanical properties, water contact angle, porosity, pure water flux, rejection tests, and antifouling parameters. The obtained results revealed that a higher critical flux was achieved by the PC/TiO2 nanocomposite membrane. The flux recovery ratio of the neat PC membrane increased with the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles and without PAC coagulant. HA removal for the PC nanocomposite membrane was higher than that of the neat PC membrane with and without PAC coagulant.