Multifunctional Bacterial Cellulose/Covalent Organic Framework Composite Membranes with Antifouling and Antibacterial Properties for Dye Separation

Abstract

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have a wide application prospect in wastewater treatment because of their unique structure and properties; however, the preparation of pure COF membranes remains a great challenge by reason of the insolubility and unprocessability of COF powders formed at high temperature and high pressure. In this study, a continuous and defect-free bacterial cellulose/covalent organic framework composite membrane was prepared by using bacterial cellulose (BC) and a porphyrin-based COF with their unique structures and hydrogen bonding forces. The dye rejection rate of this composite membrane toward methyl green and congo red was up to 99%, and the permeance was about 195 L m −2 h −1 bar −1 . It showed excellent stability under different pH conditions, long-time filtration, and cyclic experimental conditions. In addition, the hydrophilicity and surface negativity of the BC/COF composite membrane made it have certain antifouling performance, and the flux recovery rate can reach 93.72%. More importantly, the composite membrane exhibited excellent antibacterial properties due to the doping of the porphyrin-based COF, and the survival rates of both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were less than 1% after exposure to visible light. The self-supporting BC/COF composite membrane synthesized by this strategy also has outstanding antifouling and antibacterial properties, in addition to excellent dye separation effects, which greatly broaden the application of COF materials in water treatment.

Tailoring topology and bio-interactions of triazine frameworks

“…For example, frameworks with atomic catalytic centers are able to incapacitate bacteria via chemical approachs 51 . Also, composites of covalent organic frameworks with cellulose is able to antibacterial and antifouling properties by exposing to visible light 52 .…”

Emerging environmentally friendly bio-based nanocomposites for the efficient removal of dyes and micropollutants from wastewater by adsorption: a comprehensive review

“… 25 Due to their biocompatibility, disinfection capability, non-toxicity, and adsorption behavior, chitosan and cellulose have received the greatest research attention as biopolymers for use in water purification processes, like membrane filtration, micropollutant removal, degradation of dyes and oil–water separation. 26 …”

Novel Capturer-Catalyst Microreactor System with a Polypyrrole/Metal Nanoparticle Composite Incorporated in the Porous Honeycomb-Patterned Film

“…The bacteria present in water are not only harmful to living beings but can also adversely affect water treatment processes, leading to harmful outcomes such as biofouling, disinfection interference, and potential health risks if not properly removed. To mitigate the negative impact of bacteria in industrial effluents, many industries implement step-by-step wastewater treatment processes to remove or reduce the presence of dyes and bacterial populations before discharging effluents into the environment . However, the present process is inefficient at achieving this aim.…”