Microfiltration (MF) processes conducted with polymer membranes play an increas- ingly important role in many areas of the industry [1,2].Due to their advantages, such as simplicity and application flexibility, these techniques are used in a variety of technological processes.However, membrane filtration processes also have disadvantages.The speci- ficity of this process creates good conditions for the formation and deposition of biofilm on the active surfaces of membranes (biofouling).This requires membranes to be cleaned or replaced more frequently leading to a reduction in filtration efficiency and an increase in filtration costs [3–5].Membranes made from polymers in many cases can be easily exposed to biofouling [6].Microbial biofilm can form in both cases: living or non-living surfaces and are prevalent in natural, industrial and hospital settings [7].The deposition of components from the feed solution and the growth of bacteria on the surface and inside the pores of the membrane causes malfunctions of devices or the increase in material and energy consumption [8,9].<br>Previous results evidenced an efficient modification of polymeric membrane surface by magnetron sputtering of metal oxide coatings that have the potential to prevent biofilm growth on the surface of the membranes [10,11].This technology enables the production of thin coatings on the surface of the membrane providing various functional properties, which can improve the efficiency of membrane filtration and reduce the operating costs.The most extensively studied new material solutions (including membranes) concern hydrophilic and self-cleaning properties, which are based on metal oxides e.g., TiO2 [12 ...
正在翻譯中..
