Effect of Polymer Concentration on the Photocatalytic Membrane Performance of PAN/TiO2/CNT Nanofiber for Methylene Blue Removal through Cross-Flow Membrane Reactor

A photocatalytic membrane combining photocatalyst and technology based on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) TiO2/CNT has been developed. Such combination is to overcome fouling formation the membrane, thus prolonging lifetime enhancing efficiency waste treatment. PAN nanofiber was prepared by electrospinning method. The precursor solution dissolved dispersed in N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF). concentration varied at 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5%. effect of fiber morphology pore size discussed. performance resulted methylene blue (MB) removal also investigated a cross-flow system. SEM images identified that successfully fabricated with random orientation. 6.5% showed highest diffraction intensity anatase crystalline phase TiO2. additions CNT TiO2 lead cluster beads as confirmed TEM. Increasing increased diameter from 206 506 nm, slightly decreased surface area size, respectively, 32.739 21.077 m2.g−1 6.38 4.75 nm. PAN/TiO2/CNT nanofibers show type IV adsorption-desorption N2 isotherms H1 hysteresis loops. Membrane shows optimum MB color maintaining percentage rejection (%R) 90% for 240 min permeability 750 LMH. Copyright © 2022 Authors, Published BCREC Group. This an open access article under CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).