Ultrafiltration mixed matrix membranes based on mesoporous silica (MCM-41, HMS)embedded in polysulfone

Abstract

Three composite membranes (M1-M3), with mesoporous silica (MCM-41 or HMS-C12/C16-type) embedded in polysulfone (Psf) were obtained by phase-inversion method and their performances were tested for use in ultrafiltration membrane processes. The structures of M (Psf 12%, reference membrane), M1 (Psf 12% + MCM-41), M2 (Psf 12% + HMS-C12), M3 (Psf 12% + HMS-C16) have been assessed by FTIR, TG-DSC and SEM-EDAX and the morphology and their hydrodynamic performances have been evaluated by contact angle measurements, dead-end and cross-flow filtration experiments.