Fabrication of Polythiourea-Copper Complex Composite Membrane and its Anti-fouling Property

Abstract

A Composite Flat Sheet Membrane Containing Polythiourea-Copper (PTU-Cu) Complex was fabricated through a two-step phase separation involving complexation and/or crosslinking of the polymer by copper ions (Cu2+) on the first step and non-solvent induced phase separation on the second step. The surface topography of the membrane was analysed using Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) in non-contact mode. The incorporation of copper at the surface was confirmed through Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) mapping wherein other elements such as Sulfur (S), Carbon (C) and Oxygen (O) of the polymer were conducted. The fabricated membrane was rigid as shown by high value (about 2.15 GigaPascal) of measured Young’s modulus using the Pinpoint Nanomechanical Analysis Mode of AFM. In addition, the surface charge and hydrophobicity were measured using the Electrostatic Force Microscope (EFM) and water contact angle respectively. The antifouling characteristics of the membrane was evaluated through antimicrobial membrane surface contact test wherein E. coli was used as test microorganism. Other membrane properties such as pore size distribution and pure water flux were measured using a porometer and a filtration apparatus.

Characteristics and Performance of PTU-Cu Composite Membrane Fabricated through Simultaneous Complexation and Non-Solvent Induced Phase Separation

“…This results in changes in surface energy and morphology which consequently affects the contact angle [ 39 ]. In comparison, the surface of the membrane fabricated through CIPS only was relatively hydrophobic [ 40 ]. The use of water in the complexation reaction during membrane formation may have an effect on the membrane surface characteristics due to the different nature of the solvent/coagulant used during skin layer formation.…”