Influence of the electric potential applied on hollow fiber (HF) membrane and surface morphology

Abstract

The present work is focused on the study of the effect of electric field on HF membrane surface morphology in acidic medium and comparing it with alkaline results. Two different dimensions of HF polysulfone (PS) membranes were used. Membranes (A) and (B) have the same composition and different dimensions. Membrane (A) dimensions, including outside diameter (Do), inside diameter (Di) and wall thickness (t), are 356, 172, & 92 μm respectively, and membrane (B) dimensions are 409, 223, and 93 μm. HF membranes were treated electrochemically at different electric potential range from 2 to 10 V in both mediums. The results showed that the HE membrane dimensions are highly influenced by applied electric potential in both mediums. SEM analysis confirmed the contraction and expansion of HF thickness according to the value of potential applied (2-10 V). Maximum decrease of all dimensions DO, DI and thickness were 10%, 13%, and 5% respectively in the acidic medium when compared with the alkaline medium which showed a decreasing about 13%, 15%, and 11%, respectively obtained at 5-volt treatment.