Removal of Congo Red Dye Using Polyvinylidene Fluoride Polymer in Application Ultrafiltration Membranes

• Published in: Journal of engineering and sustainable development (Online) Vol. 29; no. 4
• Main Authors: Mohammed M. Hassan, Zaidun N. Abudi, Mustafa H. Al-Furaiji, Rouhollah Y. Farsani
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Arabic
• Published: Mustansiriyah University/College of Engineering 01.07.2025
• Subjects: Congo Red dye removal; Phase Inversion; Pressures; Ultrafiltration membrane; Water Flux
• ISSN: 2520-0917; 2520-0925
• DOI: 10.31272/jeasd.1611

The three ultrafiltration membranes prepared from different concentrations (13, 15, and 17 wt.%) of Polyvinylidene fluoride polymer are used to remove Congo Red Dye. The phase inversion method is utilized to fabricate the membranes. Membrane characterizations were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM) to examine roughness. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to compare morphology and cross-sectional structure. Energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) determines the number, type, and distribution of atoms. Results showed that increasing the polymer concentration to 17 wt.% enhanced the membrane's hydrophobicity and improved dye rejection, attributed to higher surface roughness, a uniform and dense distribution of chemical elements (higher F and C peaks), and reduced porosity. Membrane performance was studied under operating pressures (2-7 bar) using a 100 ppm Congo Red dye solution in a cross-flow filtration system. The PVDF 17 wt.% membrane showed a flux rate of 4.46–41.89 L/m²·h at 2 and 7 bar, respectively, with 99% dye removal at 2 bar, decreasing to 94% at 7 bar.