Effect of electric potential on the morphology and chemical composition of hollow fiber membrane surface in alkaline medium
The impact of electric potential on the dimensional characteristics and membrane surface morphology was investigated in this work. Our study samples comprise hollow fiber (HF) Polysulfone (PS) membrane. Conductive additives have been incorporated within the membrane matrix at the desired predefined concentration. The DC operated electrochemical apparatus consists of graphite anode and stainless steel cathode. The voltage and current density ranges are 2 to 10volts and 0.01 to 1.4mA/mm2 respectively. These investigations have been conducted in alkaline medium at pH=8.5. The results of this work revealed essential changes of hollow fiber (HF) dimensions, including external (DO), internal (DI) and membrane thickness (t). The maximum decrease of DO, DI, and t were 13%, 15%, and 11% respectively at 5volts. EDX analysis showed the maximum sodium ions of about 0.84% on the membrane surface at 2.5volts after 1-hour treatment.