Bamboo-Derived Cellulose Polyvinylidene Fluoride Nanocomposite Membranes for Enhanced Hydrophilicity and Dye Removal Performance

Abstract

The increasing global demand for freshwater and the growing issue of water pollution, particularly from industrial sources, motivates efforts to develop more effective wastewater treatment technologies. This research focuses on developing polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes enhanced with bamboo-derived cellulose nanocomposites for dye removal. The study aimed to overcome the hydrophobic limitations of PVDF membranes by incorporating cellulose, which is known for its hydrophilic and dye adsorption properties. The membranes were fabricated using different cellulose contents (2% to 6%) and characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The membranes’ performance was assessed through water contact angle (WCA), water permeation flux and dye rejection tests. Results indicated that increasing cellulose concentration improved membrane porosity, water permeability, and dye rejection capabilities. The 6% cellulose membrane demonstrated low water contact angle value with highest water flux with 317.95 L/m²h and dye rejection of 51% after 10 min, stabilizing at 41% after 70 min. This enhancement was attributed to cellulose’s hydrophilic nature and ability to form hydrogen bonds with dye molecules, thereby improving dye removal efficiency. This study demonstrates the potential of cellulose-enhanced PVDF membranes for industrial wastewater treatment, offering a scalable, sustainable solution to mitigate water pollution and promote environmental sustainability.