Enhancing Morphology and Separation Performance of Polyamide 6,6 Membranes By Minimal Incorporation of Silver Decorated Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles

Abstract

Nanomaterials can be incorporated in the synthesis of membrane to obtain mixed-matrix membrane with marked improvement in properties and performance. However, stability and dispersion of the nanomaterials in the membrane matrix, as well as the need to use high ratio of nanomaterials for obvious improvement of membrane properties, remain a major hurdle for commercialization. Hence, this study aims to investigate the improvement of polyamide 6,6 membrane properties with the incorporation of silver nanoparticles decorated on graphene oxide (Ag-GO) nanoplates and at the same time focus is given to the issues above. Graphene oxide nanoplates were synthesized using the modified Hummers’ method and decorated with silver before embedded into the polyamide 6,6 matrix. Physicochemical characterizations were conducted on both nanoplates and the mixed-matrix Ag-GO polyamide 6,6 membrane. The issues of Ag agglomeration and leaching were not observed, which could be attributed to the decoration of Ag on GO that helped to disperse the nanomaterials and provided a better anchor point for the attachment of Ag nanoparticles. The synthesized membrane showed marked improvement regarding flux (135% increment) and antifouling (40% lower irreversible fouling), which could be ascribed to the more negative charge of membrane surface (−14 ± 6 to −31 ± 3.8 mV) and hydrophilicity (46% enhancement) of the membranes. With minimal embedment of Ag nanoparticles, the membrane showed superior antibacterial property where the E. coli bacteria could not form a single colony on the membrane surface. Overall, the decoration of Ag on GO nanoplates could be a promising approach to resolve the agglomeration and leaching issues as well as reduce the amount of precious Ag in the synthesis of Ag-GO polyamide 6,6 membrane.

Cannabinoids and Terpenes as an Antibacterial and Antibiofouling Promotor for PES Water Filtration Membranes

“…The issue of membrane leaching is considered to be a big limitation as it may lead to lower mechanical strength of the membrane along with reduced water flux through the membrane [36,37]. Leaching of the membranes could also cause threats for living organisms and consumers of the treated water [38]. No leaching of cannabinoids and terpenes from the hybrid CT-PES membranes confirms that these phytochemicals were strongly anchored to the PES matrix.…”

“…This increase in water flux was possibly ascribed to the hydrophilization of the hybrid membranes. Formation of enhanced hydrophilic characteristics augments the membrane surface's affinity to water molecules despite the organic foulants, which may result in lower hydraulic resistance [38].…”

Synthesis and Characterisation of Graphene Oxide-Silica-Chitosan for Eliminating the Pb(II) from Aqueous Solution

“…Water is known as a vital resource for life; nevertheless, numerous people around the world do not have access to clean and pure drinking water. Increasing population, unorganised industrialisation and the rapid rate of urbanisation lead to severe water contamination [ 1 , 2 ]. Releases of poisonous and untreated manufacturing effluents are the principal sources of contamination.…”

Novel Carbon Quantum Dots/Silver Blended Polysulfone Membrane with Improved Properties and Enhanced Performance in Tartrazine Dye Removal

“…Besides, the small and broad peak located at the 1302 cm −1 was seen in both Ag/CQD and CQD spectra. This peak could be attributed to the bending vibration of hydroxyl groups [ 25 , 30 ]. Besides, the CQD spectra illustrated a small peak at around 1414 cm −1 that could be assigned to the C=C stretching vibration.…”