Improvement of PVDF composite membrane performance by using nanocrystals cellulose from waste pineapple leaf and g-C3N4

Herein, the poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composite membranes blended with pineapple leaf nanocrystalline cellulose (PLNC) and g-C 3 N 4 for ultrafiltration were designed and fabricated via surface segregation during non-solvent induced phase separation. The incorporation of PLNC and g-C 3 N 4 endows the PVDF composite membrane with a higher porosity, enhancing the pure water flux of PVDF/g-C 3 N 4 /PLNC membrane by 256.75% compared to the PVDF membrane, while maintaining a higher water flux recoveries of 82.1%. Moreover, surface chemical compositions, surface and cross-section morphologies, degree of crystallinity were also characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The mechanical properties of the PVDF composite membranes were also investigated. All the above experimental data showed that the addition of PLNC and g-C 3 N 4 can greatly improve the performance of the PVDF membrane. The prepared modified membrane has potential application value in the field of wastewater separation and treatment.