Abstract
In this work, we investigated the applicability of polyethersulfone/polydopamine/copper (II) (PES/PDA/Cu2+) membrane composite in microfiltration. Pristine PES membrane was prepared via non-induced phase separation (NIPS), and the surface was modified by coating with PDA and deposition of Cu (II) to enhance its physical and antibacterial properties. The membrane was characterized using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and water contact angle measurement. The hydrophilic character of the PES membrane significantly increased and the mechanical properties were greatly improved. Results showed that the porosity of the membrane was affected by the concentration of the polymer in the casting solution, and the membrane was suitable for filtration application due to its open-cell structure. Pure water flux was enhanced upon surface modification implying that hydrophilicity has more influence on the flux than the shrinking of the pore size. The antibacterial assay suggested that the membranes possess antibacterial property.
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