One-Step Transformation from Hierarchical-Structured Superhydrophilic NF Membrane into Superhydrophobic OSN Membrane with Improved Antifouling Effect

The hierarchical-structured superhydrophilic poly(ethylenimine)/poly(acrylic acid) (PEI/PAA)calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) multilayered membranes (PEI/PAA-CSH)n were prepared as aqueous nanofiltration (NF) membrane, and then they were transformed into superhydrophobic organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) membranes by one-step modification of trimethylperfluorinatedsilane (PFTS). Investigation on surface structures and properties of these multilayered membranes (PEI/PAA-CSH)n indicated that the hierarchical-structured (PEI/PAA-CSH)n multilayered membrane produced by in situ incorporation of CSH aggregates into PEI/PAA multilayers facilitated its one-step transformation from superhydrophilicity into superhydrophobicity. Both of the superwetting membranes showed better nanofiltration performances for retention of dyes of water and ethanol solution, respectively. Moreover, the long-term performance and antifouling behaviors, investigated by retention of methyl blue (MB), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and humic acid (HA) aqueous water solution and nonaqueous ethanol solution indicated that both of the superhydrophilic and superhydrophobic membrane showed higher stability and excellent antifouling property.