Influence Of Zinc Oxide Research Articles

The Influence of Zinc Oxide and Zinc Stearate on the Antimicrobial Activity of Coatings Containing Raspberry and Chokeberry Extracts.

The goal of this research was to analyse the synergistic effect between selected plant extracts with zinc oxide particles, and zinc stearate. The influence of ZnO on the antimicrobial effectiveness of the selected extracts was confirmed in previous research carried out by the authors. However, the impact of zinc stearate on extract activity has yet to be analysed. The aim was to cover PLA films with active coatings based on hydroxy-propyl-methyl-cellulose (HPMC), or/and ethyl cellulose (EC) containing plant extracts and ZnO which has a synergistic effect. An additional aim was to use a CO2 extract of raspberry seed (RSE) with zinc stearate as active additives within the coatings. An examination of the antimicrobial properties (against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas syringae and Φ6 bacteriophage) of the covered films, as well as an investigation of layer presence with regards to PLA morphology (SEM, ATR-FTIR analysis) was carried out. The research work that was performed indicated that black chokeberry extract (ChE) and zinc oxide particles were effective against S. aureus, P. syringae and B. subtilis strains. In addition, the ChE with zinc stearate (ZnSt) was active against all analysed strains. The HPMC with ChE and ZnO as additives had antimicrobial properties against S. aureus, P. syringae and E. coli strains. The ChE was found to inhibit the growth of all of the analysed bacterial strains. When considering the coatings based on EC with the CO2 extract of raspberry seed (RSE) and ZnO, it was noted that they were only active against Gram-negative bacteria. The results of the experiments confirmed that AC1 (EC with RSE with ZnO) and AC2 (EC with RSE with ZnSt) coatings were not active against a phi6 bacteriophage. The HPMC coating containing the AC3 layer (ChE and ZnO) eliminated Φ6 particles, confirming its antiviral properties. In addition, the presence of the active (AC1, AC2 and AC3) coatings was confirmed by SEM and FTIR analysis.

Effect of Size and Morphology of Different ZnO Nanostructures on the Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

In this study, the influence of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures with various morphologies on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) was investigated. Photo-electrodes were fabricated incorporating ZnO transport layers of distinct nanoscale morphologies—namely nanoparticles, microballs, spiky microballs, belts, and triangles—and their respective current–voltage characteristics were evaluated. It was observed that the DSSCs employing the triangular ZnO nanostructures, with a side length of approximately 30 nm, achieved the highest power conversion efficiency of 2.62%. This was closely followed by the DSSCs using spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of approximately 20 nm, yielding an efficiency of 2.54%. In contrast, the efficiencies of DSSCs with microball and spiky microball ZnO nanostructures were significantly lower, measuring 0.31 and 1.79%, respectively. The reduction in efficiency for the microball-based DSSCs is attributed to the formation of micro-cracks within the thin film during the fabrication process. All DSSC configurations maintained a uniform active area of 4 mm². Remarkably, the highest fill factor of 59.88% was recorded for DSSCs utilizing the triangular ZnO morphology, with the spherical nanoparticles attaining a marginally lower fill factor of 59.38%. This investigation corroborates the hypothesis that reduced particle size in the transport layer correlates with enhanced DSSC performance, which is further amplified when the nanoparticles possess pointed geometries that induce strong electric fields due to elevated charge concentrations.

Influence of ZnO on Antibacterial Properties of Portland Cement

This research project focuses on evaluating the antimicrobial properties of a composite material composed of Portland Cement and Zinc Oxide (ZnO). The study assesses the antibacterial activity of this composite by using Escherichia coli (E. coli) as the test microorganism. Bacterial growth assessment is carried out through the Total Plate Count (TPC) method. The investigation involved varying the concentration of ZnO within the Portland Cement composite, specifically at levels of 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5%. The study primarily centers on generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) by ZnO, and this evaluation was conducted under both UV light exposure and without it. This dual approach allows for a comprehensive examination of ROS activity. Furthermore, the research project involves material characterization using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) to determine the nanoparticle size of ZnO and identify the crystal structures present within the composite material. Additionally, morphological analysis is performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to visualize the structural properties of ZnO embedded within the Portland Cement. SEM analysis is conducted at various magnifications, including 1000x, 2500x, 5000x, and 10,000x, to provide a detailed view of the ZnO's structural properties. In summary, this research project explores the antimicrobial potential of a composite material incorporating Portland Cement and ZnO, focusing on ROS generation and the composite material's structural properties. The findings will contribute to our understanding of the material's suitability for applications in antimicrobial environments.

Influence of ZnO on Antibacterial Properties of Portland Cement

This research project focuses on evaluating the antimicrobial properties of a composite material composed of Portland Cement and Zinc Oxide (ZnO). The study assesses the antibacterial activity of this composite by using Escherichia coli (E. coli) as the test microorganism. Bacterial growth assessment is carried out through the Total Plate Count (TPC) method. The investigation involved varying the concentration of ZnO within the Portland Cement composite, specifically at levels of 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5%. The study primarily centers on generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) by ZnO, and this evaluation was conducted under both UV light exposure and without it. This dual approach allows for a comprehensive examination of ROS activity. Furthermore, the research project involves material characterization using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) to determine the nanoparticle size of ZnO and identify the crystal structures present within the composite material. Additionally, morphological analysis is performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to visualize the structural properties of ZnO embedded within the Portland Cement. SEM analysis is conducted at various magnifications, including 1000x, 2500x, 5000x, and 10,000x, to provide a detailed view of the ZnO's structural properties. In summary, this research project explores the antimicrobial potential of a composite material incorporating Portland Cement and ZnO, focusing on ROS generation and the composite material's structural properties. The findings will contribute to our understanding of the material's suitability for applications in antimicrobial environments.

Influence of zinc oxide and graphene nanoparticles on diesel engine’s emission and vibration while fuelled with waste mango seed oil biodiesel

Abstract Nowadays, the world is facing critical situations such as fossil fuel decline and global warming due to the gradual increase in consumption and release of harmful gases from engines. Therefore, there has been a need for alternative fuels to improve the efficiency of compression ignition (CI) engines and reduce harmful pollutants. Mango seed methyl ester (MSME), obtained from mango seed oil waste through transesterification processes, was used as biodiesel. For best results, 20 % MSME is mixed with 80 % diesel. However, in this experiment, the nanoparticles zinc oxide (ZnO) and graphene were used to improve the emission and vibration properties of MSME20 biodiesel. The results showed about 0.23 % less CO emissions from MSME20 with 100 ppm and 200 ppm ZnO blend than regular diesel. In addition, the graphene nanoparticles in MSME20 also reduced NO x emissions. At full load (100 %), very high NO x emissions of 1235 ppm were observed for the graphene mixture MSME20 at 200 ppm, about 6 % lower than MSME20. Better performance was recorded for the MSME20 100 ppm ZnO and MSME20 200 ppm graphene blends. All other blends, including MSME20, were found to have a higher vibration frequency than conventional diesel at a compression ratio (CR) of 18.

Improved Electrical Signal of Non-Poled 3D Printed Zinc Oxide-Polyvinylidene Fluoride Nanocomposites.

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) presents highly useful piezo and pyro electric properties but they are predicated upon the processing methods and the ensuing volume fraction of the β-phase. Production of PVDF with higher β-phase content for additive manufacturing (AM) is particularly desirable because it can enable the creation of custom parts with enhanced properties. Necessary steps from compounding to the testing of a 3D printed piezo sensitive sensor are presented in this paper. AM process variables and the influence of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofiller on crystallinity, viscosity, and electromechanical properties of PVDF, have been explored. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements confirm that a high cooling rate (HCR) of 30 °C min−1 promotes the conversion of the α-into the β-phase, reaching a maximum of 80% conversion with 7.5–12.5% ZnO content. These processing conditions increase the elastic modulus up to 40%, while maintaining the ultimate strength, ≈46 MPa. Furthermore, HCR 10% ZnO-PVDF produces four times higher volts per Newton when compared to low cooling rate, 5 °C min−1, pristine PVDF. A piezoelectric biomedical sensor application has been presented using HCR and ZnO nanofiller. This technique also reduces the need for post-poling which can reduce manufacturing time and cost.

The influence of nanomaterials on pyocyanin production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium producing industrially utile metabolites, such as rhamnolipids, biopolymers, and pigments. Pyocyanin, the most studied example of pigments, is a virulence factor that also shows the potential for application in, e.g., agriculture, anticancer therapy, and energy production. Therefore, potential inhibitors and stimulants of pyocyanin production by P. aeruginosa should be studied, and nanomaterials may cause both effects. The study aimed to examine the influence of zinc oxide and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (pristine or dispersed with alginic acid) on pyocyanin production by P. aeruginosa. First, the influence of different concentrations of nanomaterials (500.00–0.06 µg/mL) on culture optical density and biofilm formation was studied. These results helped select concentrations for further tests, i.e., growth curves and fluorescence measurements. Pyocyanin production was assessed by the chloroform–hydrochloric acid method. SEM analysis was conducted to assess the influence of nanomaterials on the cell's integrity and biofilm structure. Pristine multi-walled carbon nanotubes exhibited a stimulative effect on pigment production when applied in high concentrations (500.00 µg/mL), while dispersed material enhanced the production in lowered dosages (125.00 µg/mL). On the other hand, high concentrations of zinc oxide inhibited pyocyanin production, while minor increased bioproduct production. The research indicates the potential to use nanomaterials as the modulators of pyocyanin production and other metabolites.

FEATURES OF ZnO APPLICATION IN THE STRUCTURE OF HYDROGEN FUEL CELL

The work is devoted to zinc oxide and the prospects of its use for the needs of hydrogen energy. The influence of zinc oxide on electrolyte materials for ceramic fuel cells is determined. The properties of ceramics based on 8YSZ were investigated by adding 0.5 wt.% nanopowder of zinc oxide according to the me­thod of the research of zinc oxide ceramics. The electrical conductivity of 8YSZ in an oxy­gen atmosphere shows a better conductivity characteristic, but 8YSZ-ZnO ceramics have better mechanical properties and higher reactivity in real fuel cell conditions.
 It was found that zinc oxide has a positive effect on the open voltage of SOFC in the temperature range from 320 °C to 600 °C. The maximum value of the open voltage for the electrolyte 8YSZ-ZnO was obtained at a temperature of 520 °C with a value of 1.02 V, in turn for the electrolyte of pure 8YSZ the maximum value was 0.92 V at a temperature of 600 °C. The small amount of data on the use of pure zinc oxide as an electrolyte opens up opportunities for thorough analysis and determination of optimal technological parameters that will accelerate the introduction of hydrogen energy technologies with operating tempe­ratures below 600 ºC. From a brief overview of existing zinc oxide-based materials in fuel cells, materials with mixed conductivity and low sintering temperatures are the most promising and effective for implementation in real systems.
 Data on the effect of sintering temperature on the porosity of ceramics with 8YSZ-ZnO and 8YSZ determined that the porosity of samples of both types decreases significantly with increasing sintering temperature of powders, but the addition of zinc oxide to 8YSZ-ZnO composite allows to obtain dense ceramics at temperatures below 100 °C than for pure 8YSZ. Regarding the strength of 8YSZ-ZnO ceramics, it increases with increasing sintering temperature and has higher values ​​relative to pure 8YSZ. Both porosity and strength change rapidly in the range of 1200–1300 °C and slowly in the range of 1300–1400 °C, due to the sintering temperature of ceramics made of pure zinc oxide 1100–1200 °C. Improving the sintering conditions of ceramics and mechanical properties reveal its advantage in the addition of zinc oxide.

The Influence of Zinc Oxide with Carbon Nanotube Composite NanoMaterials on Antibacterial Activity

A novel hybrid substance, ZnO: MWCNT, are fabricated from prepared pellets using a pulsed laser ablation liquid technique at varied MWCNT concentrations (0, 3, 5, 10, and 15) wt%. The study cast at the effect of MWCNT concentration on the structure of prepared samples using FTIR and tested for different types of antimicrobial activity. From FTIR examination, one can observe that all the prepared ZnO: MWCNT samples with different concentrations have different types of band (stretching and bending). All the prepared composite samples with various concentrations have showed influence on different types of bacterial, however in general the annealing ZnO, MWCNT and the composite nanomaterial with 15%MWCNT have higher zone of antibacterial activity for studying types of bacterial inhibition.

Impact of zinc oxide, benzoic acid and probiotics on the performance and cecal microbiota of piglets

BackgroundIntestinal health remains a key factor in animal production because it is essential for digestion, absorption and bacterial fermentation. Feed additives have been used to attenuate the weaning stress such as Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and benzoic acid (C7H6O2). The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of of benzoic acid and probiotics (BA + P) on performance, diarrhea and cecal microbiota of piglets in the nursery phase (23 to 65 days).ResultsOne hundred and sixty weaned piglets with an initial weight of 6.335 ± 0.698 kg and 23 days of age were submitted to four treatments: supplementation with 2500 ppm of Zinc oxide (ZnO), supplementation with a commercial blend of benzoic acid and probiotics (Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415; Vevogut P®) (BA + P), supplementation with Zinc oxide plus benzoic acid and probiotics (ZnO + BA + P), and controls receiving only the basal diet without any supplementation. At 65 days of age, 32 piglets (n = 8 per treatment) were slaughtered for the evaluation of the cecal microbiota. Supplementation with ZnO and BA + P were associated with better feed conversion (P < 0.05) in the early stage (23 to 49 days) and with an improvement in all performance parameters over the entire experimental period. The occurrence of diarrhea was lower (P < 0.05) in the BA + P group. The 4 most abundant phyla along with unclassified bacteria represented 93% of all sequences. Firmicutes dominated the cecal microbiota of all groups, followed by Bacteroidetes. Richness represented by the observed number of genera and by the Chao index were statistically lower in ZnO and ZnO + BA + P supplemented animals compared to controls. The beta diversity analysis that compares similarities between bacterial communities demonstrated formation of two distinct clusters containing samples with and without supplementation with ZnO, confirming a strong influence of ZnO on the intestinal microbiota.ConclusionThe use of Benzoic acid with probiotics yields similar performance results with lower impact on the gut microbiota compared to ZnO, and it should be considered as a potential alternative in swine production.

Effect of zinc oxide on the hydration, microstructure and compressive strength of ternary mixtures

The use of supplementary cementitious materials as partial Portland cement substitutes in concrete is one of the best strategies for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the cement industry, and also improves the properties of concrete. When highly reactive calcined pozzolans such as metakaolin are used, the setting time of concrete is reduced, and the use of retardants is necessary. The effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) as a cement hydration retarder has already been investigated; however, the influence of zinc oxide on ternary mixtures is unknown and needs study. In this research, the effect of adding zinc oxide on the hydration, microstructure and compressive strength of ternary mixtures is studied using setting time and compressive strength tests, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis with differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the hydration process of ternary pastes is delayed or even inhibited when the amount of zinc oxide in the paste is increased. With the addition of 0.5 wt.% zinc oxide, the initial setting time and compressive strength of ternary mixtures after 3 days of curing are similar to those of the cement paste without the addition of pozzolans and zinc oxide.

Influence of ZnO Doping on Spectral Properties of Sol–Gel Derived CdO–FePO4 Nanocomposites

The focus of this study are the spectral properties of undoped and zinc oxide (ZnO) doped cadmium oxide iron phosphate (CdO–FePO4) nanocomposites synthesized through a sol-gel approach. Doping of ZnO into the CdO–FePO4 matrix is confirmed through various spectroscopic techniques at room temperature for 0.3 mol.%, 0.6 mol.%, and 0.9 mol.% of ZnO concentration. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern indicates that prepared CdO–FePO4 nanocomposites doped with ZnO correspond to the cubic crystalline nature of CdO, hexagonal amorphous nature of FePO4 and tend to form nanometer size of about 21 nm. The morphological analysis of the produced nanocomposites is done via scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. The particle sizes found from TEM images are in the nanometer regime and are in good agreement with the results obtained from XRD. The functional groups corresponding to CdO bands and PO4 groups are observed for the prepared samples from Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectra. The optical bandgaps of CdO–FePO4 nanocomposites doped with ZnO are deduced by diffused reflectance measurements. The photoluminescence spectrum exhibits bands in the visible range signifying the quantum confinement-induced photoluminescence, and the resultant CIE coordinates and CCT values are explored in search of their applicability in home appliances.

Influence of ZnO Nanoparticles on Mechanical Properties and Photocatalytic Activity of Self-cleaning ZnO-Based Geopolymer Paste

The influence of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on the mechanical properties and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) of ZnO-based geopolymer material was investigated under the illumination of ultraviolet (UV) radiations. In this work, ZnO-based geopolymer paste was manufactured using class F fly ash (FA) and ZnO nanoparticles powders with different mass percentages (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 wt%). The FA-ZnO dry mix was activated by alkaline activator solution made from sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide with a ratio of 2.5. The mechanical properties were investigated by performing a compressive strength test at 28 days. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles was evaluated by measuring the photodegradation level of methylene blue under sunlight rays. The results showed a substantial influence of ZnO on the compressive strength, which decreased with the increase of ZnO amounts ranging from 2.5 to 7.5 wt% then a slightly increased at 10 wt% of ZnO. The addition of ZnO nanoparticles to a geopolymeric material showed a satisfactory efficiency of photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue after 150 min of exposure to sunlight. Phase analysis revealed that the addition of ZnO nanoparticles in the geopolymeric system develops a new ZnO crystalline phases.

Influence of Zinc oxide on Direct Injection CI Engine Fueled With Waste Cooking Oil Biodiesel

Influence of Zinc oxide on Direct Injection CI Engine Fueled With Waste Cooking Oil Biodiesel

Addition of ZnO nanoparticles on waste rice husk as potential host material for red-emitting phosphor

In this research, influence of zinc oxide (ZnO) addition in silica matrix to produce zinc silicate glass system (ZnO–SiO2) derived from white rice husk ash (WRHA) have been investigated via solid state method. The 90 wt percentage (wt.%) of silica content in WRHA has been proved by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). Hence, the compositions of (ZnOx–WRHA1-x) glass system were varied by x = 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65 and 0.70 wt% to study their structural and optical behaviors. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns revealed that with the addition of ZnO in the silica matrix, the broad halo peaks became weaker and caused a few crystalline peaks to appear. Meanwhile, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that absorption bands related to SiO4 unit group are weakened as amount of ZnO increased. This is due to the increase of non-bridging oxygen's (NBO's) formation in the glass structure which also affects the absorbance measurement by ultra violet visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) to be shifted towards higher in wavelength as the composition of ZnO increases. Lattice distortion due to NBO's formation had decreased the band gap values from 4.28 eV to 3.95 eV. Overall, 60:40 ratio of ZnO against WRHA was selected as the best ratio to produce zinc silicate (Zn2SiO4) glass ceramics. Lastly, the characterization of europium (Eu3+) doped Zn2SiO4 glass ceramics with subject to sintering temperature also has been studied to prove that this material can be a great potential host matrix for red-emitting phosphor.

Influence of zinc oxide in a polar polymer matrix

The creation of films constituted by semiconductor oxides of zinc oxide (ZnO) incorporated into a polar polymer matrix was proposed, looking for such films to be easy to apply, friendly to the environment and compatible with materials. Within the experimental process, the synthesis of styrene copolymers with a polar monomer (methyl methacrylate) was carried out through the suspension and emulsion polymerization processes.

Fabrication of lightweight and flexible cellulose acetate composite nanofibers for high‐performance ultra violet protective materials

Novel lightweight and flexible cellulose acetate (CA)/zinc oxide (ZnO)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composite nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning technique with aim to study the potential of such CA/ZnO/MWCNTs composite nanofibers as effective ultra violet (UV) protecting textile materials. The influence of ZnO and MWCNTs content and thickness of nanofibers mats on the ultra violet (UV) protection of electrospun CA/ZnO/MWCNTs composite nanofibers have been evaluated with response surface methodology (RSM) and quadratic regression model. The highest to lowest effects of selected parameters on UV protection values are ordered as follows: Thickness &gt; &gt; ZnO content &gt; MWCNTs content. The optimized quadratic model predicted the highest UV protection value (UPF = 180.8) at conditions of 4.9 wt% ZnO content, 1.1 wt% MWCNTs loading, and 79.5 μm of the sample thickness. The obtained UV protection and photo‐degradation results established that the optimized quadratic model displayed appropriate performance for evaluating the involved input parameters and calculation of UV protection. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3325–3332, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers

Influence of ZnO on the properties of elastomeric compositions and their leached extract

Abstract The reductionin zinc oxide (ZnO) content in elastomeric compositions has become a subject due to the deleterious effect of zinc ions on aquatic organisms. The purpose of this study was to develop elastomeric compositions containing 0, 1, 3 and 5 phr of ZnO aiming at assessing the influence of the different contents on the rheometric, mechanical and thermal properties. The release of the zinc (Zn) content by leaching, at each step of the production and after the ageing was also assessed. All ZnO-containing compounds had similar rheometric, thermal and mechanical properties. Also, during and after exposure to accelerated ageing the released contents were similar for all compositions regarding the residual ZnO percent. In conclusion, the utilization of the 3 phr ZnO content is viable for the replacement of the usual amount employed.

A Study on Influence of Zinc Oxide in Cement Composite Materials

In this research, the influence of zinc oxide (ZnO) on the phase compositions and crystalline structure and microstructure of cement composite was studied. ZnO powder (0.5-1 wt% of cement) was used as an additive material. The Portland cement and ZnO powder were blended and mixed with water at the ratio constant (W/C) of 0.4. Then, the paste was cast into the molded for 24 hours. After these periods, the samples were dried at temperature 50°C for 24 hours. Those of samples were analyzed of crystalline structure and phase compositions by using X-ray diffraction technique (XRD). Microstructure analysis by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the XRD spectra showed phases of calcium hydroxide (CH) and calcium silicate hydrated (CS), which were hydration products of cementitious material. Moreover, phase of zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)2) is detected. Zn(OH)2have affected on the retardation of hydration reaction (more than 48 h). Zn(OH)2phase was formed on the surface of anhydrous tricalcium silicate (C3S) main compound in cement. The intensity of un-hydration products (C3S and C2S) increased with increasing content of ZnO nanoparticle in cement composites.

Influence of ZnO Nanoparticle Size and Concentration on the Polysulfone Membrane Performance

The activity of using membrane technology has developed fast in the treatment of wastewater, drinking water and process water production. The main challenges in membrane filtration are fouling reduction, permeability increase and high efficiency in retention. The best example of membrane enhancement is increasing hydrophilicity. Nanoparticles have been proven that their presence in the membrane matrix increases the water affinity significantly. Although the zinc oxide nanoparticles have a positive effect over the membrane performance, the influence of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle size has not been studied enough. Two sizes of nanoparticle of ZnO and three concentrations were used for the preparation of composite polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes. The effects of the ZnO nanoparticles in the membrane matrix on the permeation properties, flux stability and retention were tested. SEM, EDX, porosity and contact angle measurement were conducted in this article, also. The experimental results indicated that ZnO-PSf composite membranes exhibits significant differences in the membrane properties due to nanoparticle addition and regardless of their size it leads to an increase in hydrophilicity, flux, permeability, retention and porosity. Decreasing the nanoparticle size leads to an increase in membrane performance.