Study of flux, permeability, fouling and metal removal capacity of PVDF membranes with functionalized surface

Abstract

This project is directly linked to the FAPESP process number 2015/21261-2 named "Desenvolvimento de Pré-filtros de água a partir de membranas eletrofiadas de PVDF com superfície funcionalizada para adsorção do Cr6+" in the category Bolsa Regular no País - Doutorado. In this BEPE's proposal (Bolsa de Estágio de Pesquisa no Exterior) will be studied some important properties of the PVDF (poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene)) electrospun membranes previously produced at LabElTec (Laboratório de Eletrofiação e Tecnologia) - FCT/UNESP. The membranes were produced by carrying out an extensive study of process parameters, thereby were found out the greatest parameters for obtain the nanofibers membrane with homogeneity in the pore distribution. After obtained the membranes their surfaces were functionalized with polyaniline (PAni) which has the ability to adsorb the Cr6+ íons. Chromium hexavalent is highly toxic to the health of living organisms, being carcinogenic and mutagenic. Will be carried out the filtrations tests as flux and permeability; the metal removal capacity; the fouling and the possible polarization by concentration phenomenon. In addition to the scientific contribution to produce membranes for filtration evaluating theirs adsorption of Cr6+, this work will also have a technological contribution producing new filters and metal removers that can be applied in various sectors of industry such as tanneries, textile, electroplating and other industries. (AU)