Carbon nanotube embedded PVDF membranes: Effect of solvent composition on the structural morphology for membrane distillation

Publication date: Available online 12 January 2017 Source:Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C Author(s): Edgar C. Mapunda, Bhekie B. Mamba, Titus A.M. Msagati Rapid population increase, growth in industrial and agricultural sectors and global climate change have added significant pressure on conventional freshwater resources. Tapping freshwater from non-conventional water sources such as desalination and waste water recycling is considered as sustainable alternative to the fundamental challenges of water scarcity. However, affordable and sustainable technologies need to be applied for the communities to benefit from the treatment of non-conventional water source. Membrane distillation is a potential desalination technology which can be used sustainably for this purpose. In this work multi-walled carbon nanotube embedded polyvinylidene fluoride membranes for application in membrane distillation desalination were prepared via non-solvent induced phase separation method. The casting solution was prepared using mixed solvents (N, N-dimethylacetamide and triethyl phosphate) at varying ratios to study the effect of solvent composition on membrane morphological structures. Membrane morphological features were studied using a number of techniques including scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope, SAXSpace tensile strength analysis and membrane thickness, porosity and contact angle measurements. It was revealed that membrane hydrophobicity, thickness, te...
Source: Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts ABC - Category: Science Source Type: research