Water treatment membranes embedded with a stable and bactericidal nanodiamond material

Abstract

Filtration has emerged as a critical technology to reduce waterborne diseases caused by poor water quality. Filtration technology presents key challenges, such as membrane selectivity, permeability and biofouling. Nanomaterials can offer solutions to these challenges by varying the membranes' mechanical and bactericidal properties. This research uses nanodiamond particles with facile surface functionality and biocompatibility properties that are added to membranes used for filtration treatments. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed to study the membrane surface. FTIR spectra confirm an increase in oxygen functional groups onto the ultradispersed diamond's (UDD) surface following acid treatment. SEM images show particle deagglomeration of functionalized UDD at the membrane surface. Tensile strength tests were done to measure the UDD mechanical properties and Coliscan membrane filtration characterization was performed to determine the filter effectiveness. Polyether sulfone (PES) and polyvinylidene (PVFD) membranes expressed a change in their yield point when UDD was incorporated into the porous matrix. A significant microorganism reduction was obtained and confirmed using t-test analysis at a 95% level of confidence. UDD-embedded membranes exhibit a significant bactericidal reduction compared to commercial membranes suggesting these membranes have the potential to enhance current membrane filtration systems.