Biofouling mitigation of TFC membrane by in-situ grafting of PANI/Cu couple nanoparticle

Abstract

This work deals with the simple and eco-friendly approach for the surface modification of thin film composite (TFC) membranes to have biofouling resistant effect for desalination of the water source. Coupled polyaniline/copper nanoparticle as an effective potential biocide was simultaneously grafted onto TFC Filmtec membrane. To confirm the presence of the novel couple nanoparticle over the thin polyamide layer without negative structural effect, the modified membranes were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic-force microscopy (AFM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and zeta potential. The synergetic antibacterial effect of the couple nanoparticle was determined via SEM, colony forming unit (CFU) counting and bacterial inhibition zone by applying Escherichia Coli (E. coli) bacteria. The prepared membranes allowed nanoparticle reloading during desalination process with no need for disassembling and existence of any stabilizing agent. The Polyaniline/copper-thin film nanocomposite (PANI/Cu-TFN) membrane showed special anti-biofouling properties with water flux and NaCl rejection of 17.24 Kg/m2h and 99.82%, respectively. The water flux recovery of the obtained membrane was 89.24% and water contact angle showed 37 ± 0.09 °