Effects of pattern hollow fiber on fouling mitigation

Abstract

Hollow fibers are more advantageous compared to flat sheet membrane, as they have self-supporting ability, higher membrane area per defined volume, etc. However, flux decline due to still exists. In this study, PES hollow fiber membrane with pattern on the shell side was fabricated using structured spinneret as a method to mitigate fouling. We could observe the successful formation of structures on the membrane’s surface with SEM, confirm the functional groups with FTIR and elucidate information on chemical composition from XPS results. Filtration tests of the fabricated and 2 other commercial fibers with feed solution containing BSA 100ppm in various pH buffer were performed. Zeta measurements of BSA and membrane were measured to explain the differences in fouling propensity. Pattern membrane showed higher rejection capacity towards BSA as well as better performance in the subsequent cycles, verifying the effectiveness of this modification to enhance protein antifouling.