Synthesis of PVDF-B₄C mixed matrix membrane for ultrafiltration of protein and photocatalytic dye removal

In this work, polyvinylidene fluoride-boron carbide mixed matrix membranes were synthesized via phase inversion method. The synthesized membranes were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, porosity, and contact angle. The mixed matrix membranes (0–5 wt.% of boron carbide) were tested for ultrafiltration of bovine serum albumin solution and photodegradation property using rhodamine B and methylene blue dyes. The morphological images reveal the existence of boron carbide particles on the surface of the membranes. Upon introduction of B₄C particles, the performance of the membranes was improved: permeate flux increases from 163.13 to 351.15 L/m² h; bovine serum albumin rejection increased from 77.1% to 99.1%; relative flux reduction decreased from 45.58% to 16.06%; flux recovery ratio increased from 61.71% to 98.42%. Furthermore, maximum photodegradation yield was observed for membranes with 4 wt.% boron carbide particles with degradation efficiency of 96.7% and 96% for rhodamine B and methylene blue dyes, respectively. Furthermore, the rate constant of the optimum membrane was higher than the pristine membrane (about 2.05 and 2.26 times higher for rhodamine B and methylene blue dyes, respectively). Indeed, the mixed matrix membranes present a great prospect for the photodegradation of organic dyes.