Abstract
This manuscript describes a novel in situ interfacial dynamic inverse emulsion polymerization process under sonication of aniline in the presence of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene nanoparticles in ethanol. This polymerization method is simple and very rapid (up to 10 min) compared to other techniques reported in the literature. During polymerization, the nanoparticles are coated with polyaniline (PANI), forming a core-shell structure, as confirmed by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) measurements. The membrane pore sizes range between 100–200 nm, with an average value of ~119 ± 28.3 nm. The film resistivity decreased when treated with alcohol, and this behavior was used for selection of the most efficient alcohol as a solvent for this polymerization technique. The membrane permeability of the PANI grafted CNT was lower than the CNT reference, thus demonstrating better membranal properties. As measured by water permeability, these are ultrafiltration membranes. An antimicrobial activity test showed that whereas the reference nanoparticle Bucky paper developed a large bacterial colony, the PANI grafted CNT sample had no bacterial activity. The thicker, 2.56 mm membranes exhibited high salt removal properties at a low pressure drop. Such active membranes comprise a novel approach for future water treatment applications.
Highlights
The challenge of meeting the global demand for clean water is rising constantly [1]
Commercial ultrafiltration membranes exhibit water permeability ranges from 3 up to 750 lmh psi−1 [44], suggesting that we have successfully demonstrated a hybrid membrane using the carbon nanotubes (CNT)/PANI material
The purpose of this article was to present a study of the key parameters involved in the fabrication of PANI/CNT water filtration membranes characterized by a combination of the preferred flux and antimicrobial properties
Summary
The challenge of meeting the global demand for clean water is rising constantly [1]. Purification processes combining innovative filters and membranes are ever-growing. Two major challenges with current purification systems are fouling and biofouling [2,3,4]. Biofouling involves the deposition of large bacterial clusters, biofilm, and colonies on membrane surfaces and inside pores. Both fouling and biofouling are difficult to clean efficiently. Biofouling can be addressed as a four-step process [5,6]. The first step involves the deposition of polymeric abiotic and biotic elements. This step is the only reversible step and crucial to biofilm formation since microorganisms are affixed to the membrane surface mainly via physical interactions. The other irreversible steps involve chemical adhesion to the membrane surface, biofilm development, and dispersion and propagation of the biofilm
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