Comprehensive dataset on macro-porous PVDF flat sheet membranes for membrane distillation: Materials characteristics,...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science and Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Membrane Technology

Background:

• Development of robust polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes is crucial for efficient membrane distillation (MD).
• Optimizing the vapor-assisted non-solvent induced phase separation (VNIPS) process is key to tailoring membrane morphology and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a structured dataset detailing the fabrication of PVDF flat sheet membranes via VNIPS.
• To establish relationships between controllable process factors and membrane characteristics for MD applications.
• To provide data for optimizing membrane wetting resistance and permeate flux.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of 33 PVDF membranes using a face-centered composite design, varying polymer content, solvation temperature, casting thickness, VIPS time, coagulation bath temperature, and solvent content.
• Characterization of membranes including thickness, water contact angle, liquid entry pressure, porosity, and permeate flux.
• Analysis using linear regression models and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to correlate process parameters with membrane morphology and performance.

Main Results:

• Comprehensive dataset including experimental design, raw/processed characterization results, and linear regression models (R²: 67-94%).
• SEM micrographs illustrating morphological changes across the process design space.
• An optimization scenario identifying factor settings for maximizing wetting resistance and flux.

Conclusions:

• The presented dataset enables reproduction and extension of VNIPS studies and meta-analysis of phase inversion processes.
• Data can be used for benchmarking inverse design, response-surface, and machine-learning models for membrane development.
• Findings inform scale-up, uncertainty analysis, and pre-screening of MD membranes under various conditions.