Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) and Nanoclay Composites’ Mixed-Matrix Membranes: Exploring Structure, Properties, and Performance Relationships

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes have become a favored choice for membrane filtration because of their outstanding mechanical characteristics, chemical resistance, thermal stability, and ease of handling. Nevertheless, the hydrophobic nature of PVDF membranes can result in fouling, which diminishes their efficiency over time. This study explores the impact of ZnO-Nanoclay on the properties and performance of mixed matrix membranes made from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) at different loading percentages (0, 1, and 3 wt%). The ZnO-Nanoclay nanoparticles were synthesized using environmentally friendly methods, characterized, and blended into PVDF matrices via a solution-casting technique, resulting in a series of membranes. The synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The resulting mixed-matrix membranes underwent comprehensive analyses to assess their structure and surface properties, employing SEM, XRD, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and contact-angle measurements. Furthermore, tensile, antibacterial, and barrier properties were evaluated. Integrating ZnO-Nanoclay into PVDF membranes greatly improves antifouling properties, achieving inhibition rates of 99.92% at a clay-loading percentage of 3 wt% and increasing water-flux rates by 16% compared to pure PVDF membranes at 1 wt%. In addition, ZnO-Nanoclay nanoparticles significantly boost the mechanical properties of PVDF membranes, enhancing maximum strength by 500% at 3 wt% loading. This study examines the interplay between the structure, properties, and performance of mixed-matrix membranes by comparing different PVDF membranes that were mixed with different nanoclay composites, providing significant insights into improving these membranes through the incorporation of nanoclay composites to enhance their overall properties and effectiveness.