Surface Coatings Research Articles

Zirconia based hydrophobic coatings exhibiting excellent durability for versatile use

Understanding how to manage the hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of a surface has been the focus of a lot of research in recent years. The surface's energy often controls its hydrophobic state. There are numerous techniques to realize a change in the surface energy. Smart nano-based materials are being used to create super hydrophobic coatings that will serve as layers of defence against mechanical abrasion, corrosion, and fouling agents on the surface of metallic components. These coatings, which have recently gained popularity, have shown to be excellent choices for protecting steel pipelines. The recently created super hydrophobic coatings for glass surfaces, papers, cotton, steel pipes, etc., are examined in-depth and critically in this review study, emphasizing their use in different industries. It explains how to create super hydrophobic coatings on glass substrates using various techniques and the most recent research results on various coating production techniques. An in-depth discussion is also given to the recent applications of these created super hydrophobic coatings for treatments, including anti-bio fouling, dicing, and corrosion prevention over the past five years. According to the literature, spraying is the most adaptable and popular technique for creating super hydrophobic coatings for any substrate.

MXene 2D Ti3C2Tx production and spin-orbit effect (SOI) of Ti3C2(OH)2 in the Electronic Structure

Research on new-generation materials to meet the energy needs has begun to attract attention. Energy storage in materials is a general research subject. As a result of the reaction of MAX phase 312 Ti3SiC2 powder with hydrofluoric acid, a new 2D nanosized layered powder called MXene, similar to graphene, was obtained. MXenes, which have been studied in various sectors, especially energy, have attracted the attention of researchers owing to their multilayered structure. When Ti3SiC2 powder was treated with hydrofluoric acid (HF), an accordion-like two-dimensional Ti3C2Tx MXene structure was formed. In MXenes, surface coatings such as –O,–OH, and –F groups, which determine and affect various aspects of 2D materials, such as conductivity, constitute the application area. In this study, Ti3C2(OH)2–O and/or–OH surface terminations were examined using density functional theory (DFT) with the effect of hydrofluoric acid etching time. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM and FESEM) were used to examine the MXene-phase Ti3C2Tx powder and first-principles calculations were performed. The structural and electronic properties of MAX and MXene compounds were obtained. The spin-orbit effect (SOI) was examined in the electronic structure of MXene. The total and partial densities of states (DOS) with and without spin orbit were calculated.

Microstructures and Corrosion Behaviors of Non-Equiatomic Al0.32CrFeTi0.73(Ni1.50−xMox)(x = 0, 0.23) High-Entropy Alloy Coatings Prepared by the High-Velocity Oxygen Fuel Method

The non-equiatomic Al0.32CrFeTi0.73(Ni1.50−xMox) (x = 0, 0.23) high-entropy alloy (HEA) coatings were prepared by the high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) method. The microstructures and corrosion behaviors of the HVOF-prepared coatings were investigated. The corrosion behaviors were characterized by polarization, EIS and Mott-Schottky tests under a 3.5 wt.% sodium chloride aqueous solution open to air at room temperature. The Al0.32CrFeTi0.73Ni1.50 coating is a simple BCC single-phase solid solution structure compared with the corresponding poly-phase composite bulk. The structure of the Al0.32CrFeTi0.73Ni1.27Mo0.23 coating, combined with the introduction of the Mo element, means that the (Cr,Mo)-rich sigma phase precipitates out of the BCC solid solution matrix phase, thus forming Cr-depleted regions around the sigma phases. The solid solution of large atomic-size Mo element causes the lattice expansion of the BCC solid solution matrix phase. Micro-hole and micro-crack defects are formed on the surface of both coatings. The growth of both coatings’ passivation films is spontaneous. Both passivation films are stable and Cr2O3-rich, P-type, single-layer structures. The Al0.32CrFeTi0.73Ni1.50 coating has better corrosion resistance and much less pitting susceptibility than the corresponding bulk. The corrosion type of the Mo-free coating is mainly pitting, occurring in the coating’s surface defects. The Al0.32CrFeTi0.73Ni1.27Mo0.23 coating with the introduction of Mo element increases pitting susceptibility and deteriorates corrosion resistance compared with the Mo-free Al0.32CrFeTi0.73Ni1.50 coating. The corrosion type of the Mo-bearing coating is mainly pitting, occurring in the coating’s surface defects and Cr-depleted regions.

Oxygen‐Vacancy‐Assisted Dual Functional Surface Coatings Suppressing Irreversible Phase Transition of Li‐Rich Layered Oxide Cathodes

AbstractBoth lattice oxygen release and the migration of transition metal (TM) ions challenge the cyclability of Li‐rich Mn‐based layered oxide (LMO) cathodes by inducing irreversible phase transitions. In this work, the oxygen‐vacancy‐assisted dual functional surface coatings of Li‐rich layered oxide cathodes, including a spinel‐over‐phase and a Li3PO4 layer are fabricated for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). The functional role of the optimized interface is mainly focused. Specifically, during the process of reorganized surface structure, the oxygen vacancies function as active sites for migrating TM ions to form the spinel over‐phase and deliver the decreased binding energy of PO43− on the LMO surface. It is found that the Li3PO4 layer increases the migration energy barrier of TM ions to 13.38 eV (7.62 eV for LMO). As a result, both the spinel over‐phase and the Li3PO4 layer synergistically inhibited the irreversible phase transitions of LMO upon cycling to boost lithium storage of the cathodes. The optimized cathode maintained higher capacity retention of 95% at 0.2 C after 200 cycles in comparison to 67% for the pristine LMO. This study provides some understanding of the functional roles of the optimized dual surface coatings in suppressing the irreversible phase transition of LMO for LIBs.

Identification of Surface Coatings on Central African Wooden Sculptures Using Nano-FTIR Spectroscopy

Identification of Surface Coatings on Central African Wooden Sculptures Using Nano-FTIR Spectroscopy

Enhanced mechanical properties and tribological performance of anodic oxide coating by using thermal power plant waste material

Numerous researchers have dedicated their efforts to exploring the utilization of industrial waste, specifically fly ash (FA), as a reinforcement for developing economical composites and minimizing ecological pollution problems. FA consists of multiple phases, including quartz (SiO2) and mullite (3Al2O3·2SiO2), which can significantly enhance the mechanical properties of materials. In tribological applications, incorporating FA into surface coatings can offer a cost-effective alternative to enhance surface properties. Meanwhile, the usage of FA and its difference from other commercial ceramics (e.g., SiO2) is still unknown. Thus, the present study aims to clarify the role of FA and factors that contribute to improving mechanical properties and tribological performance with commercial SiO2 as a comparison using electrochemical anodization. The growth mechanism was investigated by varying the anodizing times while maintaining a constant (100 g/L FA) in the electrolyte for the first phase. Meanwhile, the mechanical and tribological properties of different reinforcement content (0, 10, 50, and 100 g/L) were determined for the second phase. Then, evaluations were conducted on the surface morphology, chemical composition, surface hardness, and tribological properties. The results revealed that growth of oxide coating was initiated within the first 5–10 min by forming the barrier layer. Pores began to appear visibly after 30 min of anodizing time, while the complete formation of porous anodic oxide coating was achieved at 60-min with pores dimension (width: 30.75 ± 14.45 μm and depth: 13.4 ± 6.43 μm). Interestingly, 100 g/L of FA-reinforced anodic oxide coating demonstrated lower surface roughness (4.08 ± 0.41 μm), higher surface hardness (444.4 ± 8.63 HV), lowest coefficient of friction (COF) (0.46), and low wear rate (reduction almost 31.8 %) compared to 100 g/L of commercial SiO2 reinforced anodic oxide coating. The electrophoretic deposition effect, combined with the quartz (SiO2) and mullite (3Al2O3·2SiO2) phase structure, enhances mechanical properties and tribological performance.

Application of Thermal Spraying Technology in Concrete Surface Ceramic-Based Coating

Enhancing the durability and extending the service life of concrete are crucial for promoting its sustainable development. Applying surface coatings is the primary technical method used to improve concrete durability. In this study, based on the plasma thermal spraying technology, a thermal-sprayed, ceramic-based coating was prepared on a concrete surface and evaluated using the drawing method, X-ray diffraction scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray computed tomography (X-CT), and frictional wear. Subsequently, performance tests were conducted. The test results showed that mullite powder was a suitable ceramic-based coating material. The coating had a good interfacial bonding ability with the concrete surface; moreover, the bonding site exhibited a chimeric state with an adhesion strength of 3.82 MPa. The wear rate of the coating material (0.02‰) is lower than that of the concrete matrix (0.06‰), resulting in improved surface wear resistance. SEM analysis reveals that the coating contains a considerable amount of amorphous or microcrystalline phases. The internal structure of the coating exhibits porous characteristics, with a total porosity of 10.35% and pore diameters predominantly ranging from 4 μm to 16 μm. At a distance of 80 μm from the coating site, the elements Al, O, and Si significantly contribute to the mullite components. The porous structures within the coating products are further verified using X-CT. This study offers a new possibility for ceramic coatings on hydraulic concrete.

Redundancy in microbiota-mediated suppression of the soybean cyst nematode

BackgroundSoybean cyst nematodes (SCN) as animal parasites of plants are not usually interested in killing the host but are rather focused on completing their life cycle to increase population, resulting in substantial yield losses. Remarkably, some agricultural soils after long-term crop monoculture show a significant decline in SCN densities and suppress disease in a sustainable and viable manner. However, relatively little is known about the microbes and mechanisms operating against SCN in such disease-suppressive soils.ResultsGreenhouse experiments showed that suppressive soils (S) collected from two provinces of China and transplantation soils (CS, created by mixing 10% S with 90% conducive soils) suppressed SCN. However, SCN suppressiveness was partially lost or completely abolished when S soils were treated with heat (80 °C) and formalin. Bacterial community analysis revealed that the specific suppression in S and CS was mainly associated with the bacterial phylum Bacteroidetes, specifically due to the enrichment of Chitinophaga spp. and Dyadobacter sp., in the cysts. SCN cysts colonized by Chitinophaga spp. showed dramatically reduced egg hatching, with unrecognizable internal body organization of juveniles inside the eggshell due to chitinase activity. Whereas, Dyadobacter sp. cells attached to the surface coat of J2s increased soybean resistance against SCN by triggering the expression of defence-associated genes. The disease-suppressive potential of these bacteria was validated by inoculating them into conducive soil. The Dyadobacter strain alone or in combination with Chitinophaga strains significantly decreased egg densities after one growing cycle of soybeans. In contrast, Chitinophaga strains alone required more than one growing cycle to significantly reduce SCN egg hatching and population density.ConclusionThis study revealed how soybean monoculture for decades induced microbiota homeostasis, leading to the formation of SCN-suppressive soil. The high relative abundance of antagonistic bacteria in the cyst suppressed the SCN population both directly and indirectly. Because uncontrolled proliferation will likely lead to quick demise due to host population collapse, obligate parasites like SCN may have evolved to modulate virulence/proliferation to balance these conflicting needs.BVs6NXuQzznnTv7j41Q5n6Video

Tribological properties of atmospheric plasma sprayed Cr3C2–NiCr/20% nickel-coated graphite self-lubricating coatings

Using atmospheric plasma spraying technology, Cr3C2–NiCr (CN)and Cr3C2–NiCr/20 % Nickel-coated graphite (CG) composite coatings were successfully deposited on 304 stainless steel substrates, with three different spraying distance parameters designed to optimize the experiment. The study investigated the influence of nickel-coated graphite on the structure, hardness, porosity, and friction-wear performance of the composite coatings. Wear mechanisms were investigated based on analyses of morphologies and chemical states of the worn surfaces of the CG composite coatings. Our results demonstrate that the CG coating exhibits lower friction coefficients, ranging from 0.24 to 0.28, than that of the CN coating. The incorporation of nickel-coated graphite leads to formation of a solid-lubricating film at friction interface, lowering friction and wear. What's more, presence of nickel-coated graphite mitigates brittleness of the CN coating, as is deemed important for improving abrasion resistance of the coatings.

Antifouling Properties of Electrospun Polymeric Coatings Induced by Controlled Surface Morphology

Nosocomial infections affect implanted medical devices and greatly challenge their functional outcomes, becoming sometimes life threatening for the patients. Therefore, aggressive antibiotic therapies are administered, which often require the use of last‐resort drugs, if the infection is caused by multi‐drug‐resistant bacteria. Reducing the risk of bacterial contamination of medical devices in the hospitals has thus become an emerging issue. Promising routes to control these infections are based on materials provided with intrinsic bactericidal properties (i.e., chemical action) and on the design of surface coatings able to limit bacteria adhesion and fouling phenomena (i.e., physical action), thus preventing bacterial biofilm formation. Here, we report the development and validation of coatings made of layer‐by‐layer deposition of electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoro ethylene) P(VDF‐TrFE) fibers with controlled orientations, which ultimately gave rise to antifouling surfaces. The obtained 10‐layer surface morphology with 90° orientation fibers was able to efficiently prevent the adhesion of bacteria, by establishing a superhydrophobic‐like behavior compatible with the Cassie‐Baxter regimen. Moreover, the results highlighted that surface wettability and bacteria adhesion could be controlled using fibers with diameter comparable to bacteria size (i.e., achievable via electrospinning process), by tuning the intra‐fiber spacing, with relevant implications in the future design of biomedical surface coatings.

A Krüppel-like factor establishes cellular heterogeneity during schistosome tegumental maintenance.

Schistosomes are blood-dwelling parasitic flatworms that rely on a syncytial surface coat, known as the tegument, for long-term survival and immune evasion in the blood of their human hosts. Previous studies have shown that cells within the tegumental syncytium are perpetually turned over and renewed by somatic stem cells called neoblasts. Yet, little is known about this renewal process on a molecular level. Here, we characterized a Krüppel-like factor 4 (klf4) using a combination of bulk and single cell RNAseq approaches and demonstrate that klf4 is essential for the maintenance of a specific tegumental lineage, resulting in the loss of a subpopulation of molecularly-unique tegument cells. Thus, klf4 is critical for maintaining the balance between different tegumental progenitor pools, thereby fine-tuning the molecular composition of the mature tegument. Understanding these distinct tegumental cell populations is expected to provide insights into parasite defense mechanisms and suggest new avenues for therapeutics.

Progress towards permanent respiratory support.

Although lung transplantation stands as the gold standard curative therapy option for end-stage lung disease, the scarcity of available organs poses a significant challenge in meeting the escalating demand. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in ambulatory respiratory assist systems, selective anticoagulation therapies that target the intrinsic pathway, and innovative surface coatings to enable permanent respiratory support as a viable alternative to lung transplantation. Several emerging ambulatory respiratory assist systems have shown promise in both preclinical and clinical trials. These systems aim to create more biocompatible, compact, and portable forms of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation that can provide long-term respiratory support. Additionally, innovative selective anticoagulation strategies, currently in various stages of preclinical or clinical development, present a promising alternative to currently utilized nonselective anticoagulants. Moreover, novel surface coatings hold the potential to locally prevent artificial surface-induced thrombosis and minimize bleeding risks. This review of recent advancements toward permanent respiratory support summarizes the development of ambulatory respiratory assist systems, selective anticoagulation therapies, and novel surface coatings. The integration of these evolving device technologies with targeted anticoagulation strategies may allow a safe and effective mode of permanent respiratory support for patients with chronic lung disease.

DNA aptamer-functionalized PDA nanoparticles: from colloidal chemistry to biosensor applications.

Polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs) are widely utilized in the field of biomedical science for surface functionalization because of their unique characteristics, such as simple and low-cost preparation methods, good adhesive properties, and ability to incorporate amine and oxygen-rich chemical groups. However, challenges in the application of PDA NPs as surface coatings on electrode surfaces and in conjugation with biomolecules for electrochemical sensors still exist. In this work, we aimed to develop an electrochemical interface based on PDA NPs conjugated with a DNA aptamer for the detection of glycated albumin (GA) and to study DNA aptamers on the surfaces of PDA NPs to understand the aptamer-PDA surface interactions using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. PDA NPs were synthesized by the oxidation of dopamine in Tris buffer at pH 10.5, conjugated with DNA aptamers specific to GA at different concentrations (0.05, 0.5, and 5μM), and deposited on screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs). The charge transfer resistance of the PDA NP-coated SPCEs decreased, indicating that the PDA NP composite is a conductive bioorganic material. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that the PDA NPs were spherical, and dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy data indicated the successful conjugation of the aptamers on the PDA NPs. The as-prepared electrochemical interface was employed for the detection of GA. The detection limit was 0.17μg/mL. For MD simulation, anti-GA aptamer through the 5'terminal end in a single-stranded DNA-aptamer structure and NH2 linker showed a stable structure with its axis perpendicular to the PDA surface. These findings provide insights into improved biosensor design and have demonstrated the potential for employing electrochemical PDA NP interfaces in point-of-care applications.

Study of tribological characteristics of micro-arc calcium phosphate coatings on titanium

Tribological characteristics of implants, such as wear resistance and friction coefficient, play a critical role in ensuring their durability and functionality when interacting with surrounding tissues. These parameters influence the implant's ability to withstand mechanical loads and minimize wear throughout its service life. Minimizing friction between the implant and biological tissues not only helps prevent mechanical damage but also reduces the risk of inflammatory reactions, ensuring better biological compatibility. In this study, calcium phosphate coatings were obtained using the micro-arc oxidation method with different duty cycle of current to investigate their tribological characteristics. The coatings deposited on titanium had a structure with volcano-like formations with pores ranging from 66 to 98 micrometers. The thickness of the coatings varied from 74.3 to 100 micrometers depending on the conditions during microarc oxidation. Tribological tests were conducted using a ball-on-flat setup with reciprocating motion. The coatings were subjected to tribological tests against SHX15 steel under normal loads of 5 and 20 N. Depending on the applied load, the friction coefficients of the coatings ranged from 0.029 to 0.034 at 5 N and from 0.9 to 1.26 at 20 N. Analysis of wear parameters and micrographs of worn surfaces indicate that the mode with a pulse current duty cycle of 17.3% during micro-arc oxidation allows for the production of titanium surface coatings with high wear resistance.

Enhancing the Performance of LiFePO4 Cathodes in Li-ion Batteries: Role of Surface Coating Based on ZIF-8 Particle Size Optimization

Enhancing the Performance of LiFePO4 Cathodes in Li-ion Batteries: Role of Surface Coating Based on ZIF-8 Particle Size Optimization

The careful selection of zwitterionic nanoparticle coating results in rapid and efficient cell labeling for imaging‐based cell tracking

AbstractThe increased clinical application of cell‐based therapies has resulted in a parallel increase in the need for non‐invasive imaging‐based approaches for cell tracking, often through labeling with nanoparticles. An ideal nanoparticle for such applications must be biologically compatible as well as readily internalized by cells to ensure adequate and stable cell loading. Surface coatings have been used to make nanoparticle trackers suitable for these purposes, but those currently employed tend to have cytotoxic effects. Zwitterionic ligands are known to be biocompatible and antifouling; however, head‐to‐head evaluation of specific zwitterionic ligands for cell loading has not yet been explored. Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) detects superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) using time‐varying magnetic fields. Because MPI can produce high‐contrast, real‐time images with no tissue depth limitation, it is an ideal candidate for in vivo cell tracking. In this work, we have conjugated hard (permanently charged) and soft (pKa‐dependently charged) biomimetic zwitterionic ligands to SPIONs and characterized how these ligands changed SPION physicochemical properties. We have evaluated cellular uptake and subcellular localization between zwitterions, how the improvement in cell uptake generated stronger MPI signal for smaller numbers of cells, and how these cells can be tracked in an animal model with greater sensitivity for longer periods of time. Our best‐performing surface coating afforded high cell loading within 4 h, with full signal retention in vivo over 7 days.

Effects of ultrasonic impact treatment on the corrosion resistance of laser-cladded CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy coatings

Ultrasonic impact treatment (UIT) was performed on the surface of the laser-clad CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy coatings. The fluences of the UIT on the microstructure, microhardness, nanoindentation metrics and corrosion resistance of the coatings were explored. Furthermore, the enhancing mechanisms of the corrosion resistance of these coatings by the UIT were clarified. The results showed that the UIT markedly enhanced the corrosion resistance of the laser-clad CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy coatings, and the enhancing effect continuously improved with the increasing of the UIT time. The most significant enhancement of corrosion resistance occurred under the action of UIT with a current of 1.6 A for 20 min. Compared to the untreated group, corrosion potential rose by 65.68 %, corrosion current density fell by 74.95 %, and equivalent resistance increased by 340.37 %. Corrosion morphology analysis showed that the primary forms of corrosion before the UIT were stress corrosion and pitting, which vanished after the UIT with a significant improvement in pitting. Analysis of corrosion products revealed an increased Cr content and a decreased FeOOH and O content on the coating surface after the UIT, leading to enhanced corrosion resistance. Additionally, microstructural analysis showed that large columnar crystals in the laser-clad CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy coatings transformed into finer columns, drastically reducing the grain size of the surface. Concurrently, surface microhardness and nanoindentation mechanical properties markedly improved after the UIT, with the effects growing stronger over time. After the UIT with the current of 1.6 A for 20 min, the increasement of surface microhardness reached 109.01 %. A comprehensive analysis of the fluences on the corrosion resistance of laser-clad CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy coatings by the UIT indicated that the refinement of grain size, improvement of the stress state of the coating, increasement of Cr element and its compounds, and decreasement of FeOOH content are the main reasons of enhanced corrosion resistance.

Glass and nanocrystalline phase formation in CuZrAg alloys: Insights from combinatorial thin film libraries studied by mapping synchrotron X-ray diffraction

We report detailed diffraction peak analysis and parameters indicative of the transition between fully amorphous microstructures and nanocrystal formation in sputter deposited thin film metallic glasses. Specifically, we fabricated ternary CuZrAg alloy films (2µm thickness) with a large compositional gradient on flexible, X-ray transparent polymer substrates in high vacuum conditions. The combinatorial libraries were subjected to point-by-point structural (XRD synchrotron radiation) and chemical (X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy) analysis, characterizing roughly 172 alloys. A strong correlation was found between peak symmetry and width, and early stages of crystalline phase formation. These nanocrystals are difficult to detect from the evolution of the peak position. In view of current literature, our data questions the recently claimed universality of the peak width as indicator of high glass forming ability. The addition of Ag significantly improves the poor glass formation of binary CuZr (36 alloys) under identical deposition conditions, as fully amorphous alloys are found for the majority of the investigated composition space. A thorough understanding of the microstructure of CuZrAg alloys on flexible substrates is highly relevant in view of favourable antibacterial properties and potential application as coatings for biomedical surfaces.

Factors Influencing Chloride Ion Diffusion in Reinforced Concrete Structures.

Reinforced concrete structures are prone to the corrosion of steel bars when exposed to chloride-rich environments, which can severely impact their durability. To address this issue, a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing chloride ion diffusion in concrete is essential. This paper provides a summary of recent domestic and foreign research on chloride ion transport in concrete, focusing on six key factors: water-binder ratio, additive content, crack width, ambient temperature, relative humidity, and dry-wet cycles. The findings show that the diffusion coefficient of chloride ions in concrete increases with a higher water-binder ratio and decreases with increased additive content. Additionally, wider cracks result in a greater diffusion of chloride ions. The permeability resistance of concrete to chloride ions decreases with rising temperature and humidity, and dry-wet cycles further accelerate the diffusion of chloride ions. The article concludes by discussing various anti-corrosion measures, such as the use of corrosion inhibitors, surface coatings, and electrochemical treatments, to ensure the longevity of the structure. Finally, directions for future research are proposed.

Plasma-aerosol-assisted interface engineering of nanofiltration membranes to improve removal of organic pollutants from water

Membrane surface functionalization has shown great potential in improving the removal of organic pollutants from water by nanofiltration (NF). However, conventional surface modification methods rely on hazardous chemical solutions and produce large amounts of wastewater, which is contrary to the original purpose of wastewater remediation and the current high demand for environmental sustainability. Herein, we demonstrate a solvent-free and scalable method enabled by an emerging aerosol-assisted plasma deposition process for surface functionalization of NF membranes to improve the removal of organic pollutants from water. We first investigate the physicochemical properties of the aerosol-assisted plasma deposited (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (AAPD-APTES) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (AAPD-HEMA) coatings on commercial NF270 membranes by different surface characterization techniques. Then, we examine the associated membranes’ performance in removing conventional organic pollutants (phenol) and emerging micropollutants (diuron). Compared to the untreated NF270 membranes (2.9% for phenol and 22.0% for diuron), AAPD-APTES-modified NF270 membranes have the highest rejection efficiency towards both phenol (68.5%) and diuron (49.1%), whereas AAPD-HEMA coated membranes show good selectivity behavior with a high rejection efficiency for diuron (43.6%) but a relatively low efficiency for phenol (6.2%). Both plasma polymer-coated membranes are effective in removing organic contaminants mainly due to the plasma-produced dense surface coatings. Overall, this study offers a comprehensive eco-friendly and scalable strategy for NF membrane surface functionalization, which can not only improve the NF performance in wastewater remediation but also reduce the production of wastewater in the surface functionalization process.