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Keywords
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bacteria removal, microfiltration, polyethersulfone, symmetric membrane, VIPS
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Abstract
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Polyethersulfone (PES) microfiltration membranes were fabricated by a combined
vapor‐induced phase separation and wet phase separation method. The effect of
different non‐solvent additives in casting solution, ie, acetone, diethylene glycol,
and triethylene glycol (TEG) was investigated on the membrane morphology and
performance. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the membrane
containing TEG additive had a skinless symmetric structure with well interconnected
pores. The permeability of the PES/PVP/TEG membranes increased by decreasing
PES and TEG and increasing PVP concentration. Bacteria removal performance of
the prepared membranes was investigated by the filtration of E. coli suspension.
The membrane made from casting solution containing 15 wt.% PES, 16 wt.%
PVP, and 20wt.% TEG showed a pure water flux of ~ 5370 L/m
2
h at low transmembrane
pressure of 10 psi and 100% bacteria removal efficiency. The results
of in vitro cytotoxicity test and cell viability assay showed non‐toxic nature of the
prepared membranes.
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