Abstract
In current study nanodiamonds (NDs) and LiCl were added into poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) matrix to prepare PVDF/ND/LiCl nancomposite membranes by using phase inversion method. Fabrication of nanocomposite membranes was then confirmed by XRD, SEM, FTIR and TGA. The results showed that the nanodiamonds were incorporated into the pores and onto the surface of PVDF membranes. The effect of NDs loading (0.1 to 0.7 wt%) on nanocomposite membranes properties was studied. The presence of NDs in PVDF substrate provided it a hydrophilic character thus improved permeability, antifouling performance and decreased shrinkage ratio. PNL-0.5 (adding 0.5% NDs with PVDF membrane) exhibited the best results with fouling recovery ratio of 95%, malachite green dye rejection of 95%, decolorization rate of 89% and and mechanical stability up to 15 cycles. These results showed that the characteristics of PNL-0.5 were best and can be used for the removal of dyes from industrial effluent.