Improved biobutanol recovery through mixed-matrix PVDF membrane with hydrophobic MAF-6 as filler

Abstract

In this study, enhancing the hydrophobicity of the membrane by using MAF-6 was considered an effective strategy to improve the performance of organophilic pervaporation (PV) membranes. This was achieved by incorporating superhydrophobic MAF-6 into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer to create mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). Various characterization techniques were employed to assess the morphologies of the MAF-6 nanocrystals and the membranes, including BET and SEM. The pervaporation experiments involving butanol/water mixtures demonstrated that the MMMs exhibited enhanced flux and separation factors compared to the PVDF pristine membrane. The optimal flux achieved was 1.35 g/m² h, with a separation factor of 16.7. This enhancement in performance was attributed to the hydrophilicity and high porosity of MAF-6, which effectively overcame the trade-off effect usually observed in such membranes. © 2025 Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Union of Chemists in Bulgaria.