Preparation of PVDF/Al2O3 hybrid membrane via the sol–gel process and characterization of the hybrid membrane

In this study we present a new method to prepare organic–inorganic hybrid polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/Al2O3 membranes via in situ polymerization of aluminum isopropoxide (AIP) using the sol–gel process. FTIR analysis showed the existence of Al in hybrid membrane when AIP was added to the casting solution. The effects of AIP on the performances of hybrid membranes were investigated. The results showed that the pure water flux and the bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection increased firstly and then decreased with increasing AIP content. When AIP content was 12 wt.%, compared with PVDF membrane without the addition of AIP, the pure water flux of hybrid membrane was increased by 83.4% and the BSA rejection was improved from 88.3 to 96.6%. In addition, other performances of the hybrid membrane such as hydrophilicity, mechanical properties, and antipollution were also improved.