Dielectric and dynamic antibacterial investigations of organic–inorganic conductive membranes based on oxidized cellulose with BNKT nanoceramics

Abstract

The development of eco-friendly materials for advanced applications is highly demanded. The current study focuses on the preparation of conductive membranes based on tricarboxylic cellulose (TCC) loaded with cubic bismuth sodium titanate (BNKT) nanoceramics. FTIR, SEM, and EDX analyses confirm the presence of loaded BNKT on the membranes. The electrical response of the cellulose/xBNKT (x = 5, 10, 15, and 20% wt/wt) membrane is investigated using impedance spectroscopy. The real part (Z′) and the imaginary part (Z″) of the complex impedance are studied as a function of frequency (4Hz ~ 8MHz) and temperature (20 ~ 160 °C) for the different compositions. Impedance and modulus studies reveal a Debye-type relaxation phenomenon. The dielectric studies manifest promising dielectric properties. The bactericidal performance of all nanomembranes is evaluated. The nanomembrane with 20% BNKT (C20) exhibits bactericidal activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, with 6 log CFU reductions observed after an exposure time of 180 min. Treatment with the C20 nanomembrane shows the highest amounts of protein efflux. The results indicate that the C20 nanomembrane layer eradicated all bacterial cells. The findings suggest that the C20 nanomembrane is recommended as an intelligent and innovative antibacterial nano-system for bio-applications.