High-Performance PES Membranes Prepared by VNIPS: Role of Brij-58 in Enhancing Surface Hydrophilicity and Antifouling Resistance
نویسندگان
1 Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
2 Department of Pharmacy, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
3 Graduate School of Environmental Management, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Jl. Tgk Chik Pante Kulu No. 5, Banda Aceh 23111, Darussalam, Indonesia
4 Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
5 Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
6 Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
7 Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
8 Graduate School of Environmental Management, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Jl. Tgk Chik Pante Kulu No. 5, Banda Aceh 23111, Darussalam, Indonesia
9 Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
doi
10.48309/chemm.2026.562772.2051چکیده
This study investigates the modification of polyethersulfone (PES) membranes using the Brij-58 additive to enhance the hydrophilicity and antifouling performance of the resulting thin film for the separation of water pollutants. A combination of vapor-Induced phase separation (VIPS) and non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) methods was employed to ensure the retention of Brij-58 within the membrane matrix. SEM analysis revealed uniform pore distribution and symmetrical structure, while FTIR confirmed successful incorporation of Brij-58. The modified membrane (PB-90) exhibited improved hydrophilicity, as indicated by a reduced water contact angle from 75.31° to 55.11°. PB-90 also demonstrated the highest pure water flux (69.86 ± 1.294 L/m²·h), though with a slight decrease in mechanical strength. Performance testing showed that PB-90 had superior antifouling characteristics, with a flux recovery ratio (FRR) of 91.91% and total fouling ratio (Rt) of 52.49%, compared to the unmodified membrane (PM) with an FRR of 75.70% and Rt of 25.58%. When applied to river water filtration, PB-90 significantly reduced contaminants. These results confirm that the incorporation of Brij-58 and the VNIPS technique effectively enhance the hydrophilic and antifouling properties of PES membranes.
