A Membrane with Strong Resistance to Organic and Biological Fouling Using Graphene Oxide and D-Tyrosine as Modifiers

Abstract

Membrane fouling markedly influences the service life and performance of the membrane during the using process. Herein, hydrophilic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanocomposite (P- GO-DAA) membranes with antifouling and anti-biofouling characteristics were fabricated by employing graphene oxide (GO) and different concentrations of D-Tyrosine. The structural properties of the prepared nanocomposite membranes as well as pure PVDF membranes were characterized using FTIR, XPS, SEM, AFM, and contact angle analysis. It was found that the introduction of GO fillers made an excellent antifouling performance compared to pure PVDF indicated by the pure water flux, flux recovery rate, and rejection rate during ultrafiltration experiments as a result of the formation of the hydrophilic and more porous membrane. In particular, the nanocomposite membranes showed an increased flux of 305.27 L/(m2·h) and the rejection of 93.40% for the mixed pollutants solution (including Bull Serum Albumin, Sodium Alginate, and Humic Acid). Besides, the outstanding anti-biofouling activity was shown by the P-GO-DAA membrane with the properties of D-Tyrosine for inhibiting biofilm formation during the bacterial adhesion experiments. Furthermore, the adhesion ratio of bacteria on the membrane was 26.64% of the P-GO-DAA membrane compared to 84.22% of pure PVDF. These results were confirmed by CLSM.