Improved antifouling potential of polyether sulfone polymeric membrane containing silver nanoparticles: self-cleaning membranes

Abstract

A new strategy to enhance the antifouling potential of polyether sulfone (PES) membrane is presented. Chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were used to prepare a mixed-matrix PES membrane by the phase inversion technique. Primarily, AgNPs synthesis was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance at 410-430 nm using UV-Visible spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that AgNPs were crystalline with a diameter of 21 ± 2 nm. Furthermore, PES membranes were characterized by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to confirm the incorporation of AgNPs in membranes. Hydrophilicity of the membranes was enhanced, whereas roughness, mechanical strength and biofouling were relatively reduced after embedding the AgNPs. Antibacterial potential of AgNPs was evaluated for E. coli in the disc diffusion and colony-forming unit (CFU) count method. All of the membranes were assessed for antifouling activity by filtering a control dilution (10 CFU/ml) of E. coli and by counting CFU. Anti-biofouling activity of the membrane was observed with different concentrations of AgNPs. Maximum reduction (66%) was observed in membrane containing 1.5% of AgNPs. The addition of antibiotic ceftriaxone enhanced the antibacterial effect of AgNPs in PES membranes. Our practicable antifouling strategy may be applied to other polymeric membranes which may pave the new way to achieve sustainable and self-cleaning membrane reactors on large scale.

Polymer Concentration and Solvent Variation Correlation with the Morphology and Water Filtration Analysis of Polyether Sulfone Microfiltration Membrane

“…Drinkable water resources are declining every year leading to exploring viable options for water reusability to treat and purify it [1]. Membrane technology is extensively used worldwide among various techniques to purify water [2]. Microfiltration membranes are considered economical for water treatment to reduce the microbial and colloidal sources in water [3].…”

Microcystis aeruginosa Synergistically Facilitate the Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline Hydrochloride and Cr(VI) on PAN/TiO2/Ag Nanofiber Mats

“…Electrospun polymer nanofibers with Ag/TiO 2 nanoparticles have attracted much attention recently, due to their enhanced characteristics, such as their antimicrobial, optical, and photocatalytic properties [11][12][13][14]. However, most of the published studies have opted for two-step methods to decorate Ag/TiO 2 nanoparticles on nanofibers, which are more complicated and less efficient [15]. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based hybrid nanofibers are water insoluble and can be easily recovered from solution.…”

Unveiling the Potential Role of Nanozymes in Combating the COVID-19 Outbreak

“…Extraordinary stability and high catalytic efficiency at nanoscale qualify the nanozyme-mediated strategies as a powerful approach for tackling SARS-CoV-2. Although various nanoparticle (NP)-based approaches have been decisive for the development of disinfectants, their role in new testing and diagnostic kits for SARS-CoV-2 infection has also been realized [ 13 , 78 ]. In fact, nanozymes can be used for potential new therapeutics and improved anti-viral activity for SARS-CoV-2 [ 79 ].…”