Innovative permeation and antifouling properties of PVDF ultrafiltration membrane with stepped hollow SiO2 microspheres in membrane matrix

Hybrid polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ultrafiltration membranes were prepared using hollow silica microspheres (HSiO2) as an extraordinary additive. The results showed that HSiO2 microspheres had inner cavity structure, mesoporous wall, good dispersion and excellent hydrophilicity, and could be used to construct stepped permeable channels for decreasing the mass transfer resistance of water molecules in the porous support layer of PVDF membrane. The improved hydrophilicity and constructed channels of PVDF matrix by added HSiO2 improved the separation and antifouling performance of hybrid PVDF membrane, which were conducive to increase the separation efficiency and prolong the service life of membrane module.