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A photocatalytic reactor based on novel dual-layer hollow fibre membranes with immobilized titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles was proposed in this study and tested for the degradation of highly recalcitrant endocrine disrupting compound of nonylphenol (NP). The presence of TiO 2 on the outer surface of dual-layer hollow fibres was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion of X-ray (EDAX), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The effect of TiO 2 loading, where the mass fraction TiO 2 /PVDF was varied from 0 to 1, on the degradation of toxic NP was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The addition of TiO 2 nanoparticles showed a significant effect on the membrane pore size and NP degradation rate. The presence of TiO 2 on the outer layer of dual-layer hollow fibre membranes actively functioned as a photocatalyst, with the hollow fibre of TiO 2 /PVDF ratio of 1 possessed the highest NP degradation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel polyphenylsulfone (PPSU)/nano tin oxide (SnO 2) mixed matrix hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) were fabricated by dry-wet spinning via phase separation method. In the current research, reported the contrast between neat PPSU membrane and nanocomposite membranes (PPSU/SnO 2), to determine the toxic reactive dyes namely, reactive black-5 (RB-5) and reactive orange-16 (RO-16) removal ability from the aqueous media. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the HFMs cross-sectional morphological changes and surface roughness parameters of membranes were analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The surface wettability ability of HFMs was examined with a contact angle, water uptake, and porosity measurements. The cross-flow filter unit was engaged to quantify the water permeability, anti-fouling ability as well as the dye rejection ability of fabricated membranes. With increasing the SnO 2 NPs wt% in PPSU polymer matrix the membrane performance was enhanced continuously, it became evident that the incorporated SnO 2 NPs plays main role in membrane performance. Added, water-soluble poly (vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) can also impact the pore morphology in membranes. At the end, PS-3 membrane exhibited lower contact angle (63.7 0), higher water uptake (74.8%), porosity (84.1%), pure water flux 362.9 L/m2 h, and high potential for dyes rejection application, of about >94% for RB-5, and >73% for RO-16 dye, respectively. From the preliminary results, it can be stated that the usage of SnO 2 NPs in membrane technology become effective towards wastewater treatment. Unlabelled Image • Novel PPSU/nano SnO 2 mixed hollow fiber membranes were fabricated by dry-wet spinning via phase separation process. • The cross-flow filter unit was engaged to check the permeability and rejection efficacy of the membranes. • The nanocomposite membranes showed better outcomes. • The PS-3 membrane displayed dyes rejection above 94% and 73% for RB-5 and RO-16 dyes, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]