Modification of PVDF Membrane for Harvesting of <i>Nannochloropsis</i> sp. and Its Cleaning Results

Abstract One of the biggest challenges in implementing microalgae-based biofuels is effective harvesting process. Filtration membrane has become one flexible methods microalgae harvesting. This study investigated Nannochloropsis sp. using a modified PVDF at various LiCl as an additive with N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solvent. Harvesting never been reported before. The addition can improve performance due to great affinity for water, resulted inducing formation pore structure membrane. optimum composition was determined from 1% 3% (w/w). hydrophilicity increased indicated by increasing water permeance, which were 516, 546, 660, and 614 L/m 2 h bar neat PVDF, PVDF/LiCl-1, PVDF/LiCl-2, PVDF/LiCl-3 membrane, respectively. PVDF/LiCl-2 showed highest permeance total average (150 bar) 100% rejection membranes cleaned sodium hypochlorite, citric acid, nitric acid. SEM results that after cleaning appears algae particles pore. Furthermore, almost not visible on FTIR absorption 3401 cm -1 , characteristic hydrogen N-H bond, also including typical amide uptake (C=O) 1648 indicating protein appearance. Moreover, did appear any indicates foulant.