Modification of the Surface Morphology and Properties of Graphene Oxide and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Based Polyvinylidene Fluoride Membranes According to Changes in Non-Solvent Temperature

Abstract

The effect of changes in non-solvent coagulation bath temperature on surface properties such as morphology and hydrophilicity were investigated in multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene oxide (GO)-based polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes. The properties of pores (size, shape, and number) as well as membrane hydrophilicity were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, optical microscopy, water contact angle, and water flux. Results showed that the pore size increased with an increase in coagulation temperature. The hydrophilic functional groups of the added carbon materials increased the solvent and non-solvent diffusion rate, which significantly increased the number of pores by 700% as compared to pure PVDF. Additionally, these functional groups changed the hydrophobic properties of pure PVDF into hydrophilic properties.