A simple one-step method to synthesize PVDF-PG/KH792 membrane for separation of oil-in-water emulsions

Abstract A simple one-step method was developed for modifying the hydrophobic poly (vinylidene fluoride) microfiltration membrane to improve its hydrophilicity and antifouling properties. Pyrogallol and N-[3-(Trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine (KH792) formed an excellent hydrophilic network by Michael addition/Schiff reaction under alkaline environment. The physical and chemical characteristics of the membranes were systematically tested. The water contact angle kept a lower value and the pure water flux of the modified membrane could reach 7166 L m−2 h−1, the separation efficiency of the four oil-in-water emulsions were all more than 99 %. In addition, the coating method also has excellent hydrophilicity and pure water flux on polytetrafluoroethylene membrane, indicating that it has great potential application in other membranes.