Two different kinds of nano-ZnO (nanoparticle and nanorod) were embedded into PES membrane matrix to investigate the effects of nanofiller shape on mixed matrix membrane characteristics and water flux. Effect of the shape of embedded nanofillers on hydrophilicity, bulk morphology and pure water flux of prepared membranes were investigated by means of water contact angle measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and water permeation tests. Water flux of mixed matrix membranes improved significantly after addition of both types of ZnO nanofillers due to higher hydrophilicity and porosity of prepared membranes. Water contact angle measurements confirmed the increased hydrophilicity of modified membranes particularly ZnO nanorod mixed membranes. It was revealed that the efficient effects of adding inorganic ZnO nanofillers into the polymeric membrane matrix can be employed not only by choosing proper metal oxide but also by changing the nanofiller shape to achieve more efficiency with same amount of nano-additive. Results of this study well suggest embedding rod shaped ZnO nano structure into the PES membrane matrix in order to improve membrane hydrophilicity and water flux
