Improving the Antibiofouling and Operational Properties of PVDF Membranes Using Synthesized Cu‐SiO₂ Nanoparticles in a Submerged Membrane Bioreactor

Abstract

The effects of synthesized hydrophilic Cu‐SiO₂ nanoparticles on the morphology and antibiofouling performance of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes in a membrane bioreactor system were examined. As a result, the pure water flux of the PVDF membrane increased from 47.61 to 71.93 L m⁻²h⁻¹ in the presence of 1.0 wt % Cu‐SiO₂ nanoparticles. Also, the better‐developed finger‐like bulk pores and thicker sponge‐like surface pores for the nanocomposite membranes confirmed the lower phase inversion rate. The total fouling ratio of the membranes was reduced from 53.79 % to 24.13 % in the presence of 1.0 wt % Cu‐SiO₂ nanoparticles, while the flux recovery ratio increased from 54.61 % to 88.73 %. In addition, extracellular polymeric substances analysis showed lower protein and carbohydrate formed on the membrane surface for the nanocomposite membranes.