Polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF)/surface functionalized-mordenite mixed matrix membrane for congo red dyes removal: Effect of types of organosilane

This study examines the preparation of PVDF hybrid membranes mixed with natural zeolite mordenite, which are functionalized with various organosilanes, i.e., 3-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (APTES), 3-ethylenediaminopropyl-trimethoxysilane (EDAPTMS), and 3-mercapto-propyl-trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) compounds. The addition of mordenite-MPTMS increased the β fraction on the hybrid membrane surfaces and improved the membrane hydrophilicity. The shape of the macropores in PME tends to be round, with the largest size among other hybrid membrane macropores resulting in the highest porosity. The congo red dye is very well filtered by all PVDF and hybrid membranes, with a rejection value of around 99%. The increase in porosity was parallel to the water flux value in the hybrid membrane, which is PME produces the highest water flux value. The degree of membrane pores fouling during the filtration of the congo red dye was successfully reduced by the addition of organosilane-modified mordenite.