Statistically-assisted Optimization of PVDF-MWCNT-Triclosan Hybrid Membrane for High Flux, Salt Rejection, and Contact Angle
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11113/jamst.v30n2.353Keywords:
Multiwalled carbon nanotubes; triclosan; PVDF; statistically-optimized; membrane distillation; desalinationAbstract
Membrane distillation offers a promising solution for water desalination, yet its broader application is severely hindered by biofouling and membrane wetting. To address these limitations, this study developed a novel polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane enhanced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and silica nanoparticles (SiO₂), cross-linked with epichlorohydrin (ECH), and coated with the antimicrobial agent triclosan (TCS), aimed at improving hydrophobicity and anti-biofouling properties. The membrane was fabricated via phase inversion and optimized using Response Surface Methodology with a Box-Behnken design across 17 experimental runs. Qualitatively, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the successful incorporation of MWCNT (C=O ester at 1733.04 cm⁻¹), TCS (aromatic C=C at 1639.70 and 1452.91 cm⁻¹), and SiO₂ (Si–O–Si at 1070.80 cm⁻¹), while SEM revealed a porous cross-section with pore sizes reduced from ~450 nm to ~200 nm after TCS coating. Quantitatively, the optimal membrane (2 wt.% ECH, 1 wt.% TCS, 2 wt.% SiO₂) achieved a contact angle of 92.98°, a water flux of 11.05 kg·m⁻²·h⁻¹, and a salt rejection of 75.36%, with total porosity reaching 82.40%. The findings demonstrate that TCS functionalization successfully enhances hydrophobicity and flux, though salt rejection remains below industrial benchmarks. Further optimization of TCS dispersion and membrane formulation is necessary to achieve superhydrophobic performance (>150° contact angle) and >99% salt rejection for practical desalination applications.
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