Preparation and Characterization of PVDF/NCs/TiO2 Photocatalytic Membrane for Rhodamine b Dye Degradation

This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes enhanced with nanocellulose (NCs) and TiO2 for the removal of rhodamine b (RhB) dye. PVDF/NCs/TiO2 membranes were fabricated with varying TiO2-P25 contents (0.18, 0.36 and 0.72wt%). Initially, PVDF and NCs were separately dissolved in dimethylacetamide (DMAc), followed by the addition of TiO2-P25 nanoparticles. The resulting solutions were cast into membranes using the doctor blade technique and dried at room temperature. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the successful incorporation of both NCs and TiO2 into the PVDF matrix. Water flow rate measurements were conducted to assess membrane permeability. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated using RhB dye solutions at pH 4, 7, and 10. The results indicated that membranes containing NCs and TiO2 exhibited superior water permeability and dye removal efficiency compared to pure PVDF membranes. These findings suggest that PVDF/NCs/TiO2 membranes are promising candidates for the treatment of dye-contaminated wastewater.