Bead-Free PSF/PVP Blend Membrane as Potential Material for Water Desalination

Abstract

We herein report successful fabrication of bead-free PSF/PVP blend membrane using electrospinning technique. The membrane has been fully characterized by spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. Hydrophobicity of PSF was reduced by systematic addition of PVP to PSF, and confirmation of hydrophilicity of the PSF/PVP blend membrane was confirmed by contact angle and membrane water content measurements. Morphological images of the PSF/PVP fibers demonstrated that there is a critical, optimum PSF/PVP blending ratio, beyond which very large fibers start to form. Heat treatment of the membrane improved its mechanical strength and compactness. The membrane is a promising material for removing salt from saline water.