Preparation, characterization, and photocatalytic performance of a PVDF/cellulose membrane modified with nano Fe3O4 for removal of methylene blue using RSM under visible light†

In this work, a polymeric membrane-based polyvinylidene fluoride coated with cellulose and loaded with iron oxide nanoparticles (PVDF/cellulose/Fe₃O₄) was synthesized and was characterized using FESEM, XRD, AFM, and contact angle measurements. The activity and modification of the PVDF/cellulose/Fe₃O₄ membrane under visible light for the removal of methylene blue were studied using the central composite design. The effect of influential variables such as pH, methylene blue concentration, amount of Fe₃O₄ in the membrane, and irradiation time on MB removal was investigated. Analysis of variance was used to determine the significance of experimental factors and their interactions. About 72.5% methylene blue removal using the PVDF/cellulose/Fe₃O₄ membrane under visible light was achieved at optimum conditions of a pH of 9, methylene blue concentration of 600 mg L⁻¹, Fe₃O₄ amount of 0.03 g, and irradiation time of 117 min. Finally, results confirmed that the proposed membrane has good performance for methylene blue removal under visible light.