Abstract
This study aims to integrate copper (Cu) during membrane formation by a facile simultaneous phase separation process to alleviate biofouling and improve membrane performance. Polythiourea (PTU) polymer synthesized through condensation polymerization of 4,4-oxydianiline and p-phenylene diisothiocyanate in dimethyl sulfoxide was used in the preparation of dope solution. By incorporating different concentrations of cupric acetate in the non-solvent bath, both non-solvent induced phase separation and complexation induced phase separation occur instantaneously. Scanning electron microscopy—energy dispersive X-ray, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy analysis accompanied by color change of the membrane surfaces—confirms the interaction of the polymer with Cu. Interaction of Cu at the interface during membrane formation results in a decrease in contact angle from 2 to 10° and a decrease in surface roughness from 30% to 52% as measured by atomic force microscope analysis. Pure water flux of PTU-Cu membrane increased by a factor of 3 to 17 relative to pristine PTU membrane. Both the pristine PTU and PTU-Cu membrane showed antibacterial characteristics against E. coli.
Highlights
Polythiourea (PTU) polymer was prepared in the laboratory at room temperature from equimolar quantities of 4,4-oxydianiline (ODA) 98% and p-phenylene diisothiocyanate (PDTC) 97% purity both from Sigma Aldrich (Singapore)
The results evaluated in terms in terms of was reactivity andininhibitory activity of rating as described in were the Supplementary
5 fabricated via simultaneous and CIPS145 to strategically incorporate copper in the membrane. This technique provided a new perspective in membrane fabrication where two instantaneous distinct physical and chemical phase separation processes were incorporated in a single step
Summary
The gradual increase in transmembrane pressure (TMP) or decline in water flux is still one of the significant factors that increases its overall cost. This is the consequence of membrane fouling formation resulting from prolonged use of the membrane. Biofouling is the most challenging aspect to address due to the formation of a stable biofilm resulting from adhesion and accumulation of biological materials. In many cases this results in irreversible fouling over time which shortens the service life of the membrane [3]
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