Research Information System
Journal of Applied Polymer Science, vol.143, no.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Membrane fouling is the biggest challenge in filtration, and its control is critical. The most promising method in fouling control is electrical fouling control, which is a simple and green technique. To apply electrical fouling control methodologies, membranes must exhibit conductive properties. In this study, novel polysulfone composite membranes with enhanced electrical conductivity were obtained through the incorporation of graphene additives. Fouling properties and in situ electrical fouling control performances of the prepared membranes were investigated. The incorporation of 5% graphene additive has been demonstrated to enhance the conductivity of polysulfone membranes by up to 40-fold, exhibiting an electrical conductivity of 1.45 × 10−4 S/cm. The fouling rate with BSA of the 5.0% Gr additive membrane was determined to be 35%, and the flux recovery rate obtained was 70% with a simple hydraulic cleaning process. In in situ fouling control studies for BSA, the flux decline was 19.2% after 60 min with a 15V potential application, while 31.6% was seen without potential application. The results indicated that this uncomplicated green nanoparticle modification method is appropriate for the preparation of novel polysulfone composite membranes with improved conductivity. The lower flux decline using electrical potential application showed that the electrical fouling control method delays and reduces membrane fouling.