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A novel antifouling and antibacterial surface‐functionalized PVDF ultrafiltration membrane via binding Ag/SiO 2 nanocomposites
Author(s) -
Pan Yang,
Yu Zongxue,
Shi Heng,
Chen Qi,
Zeng Guangyong,
Di Haihui,
Ren Xiaoqing,
He Yi
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of chemical technology and biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1097-4660
pISSN - 0268-2575
DOI - 10.1002/jctb.5034
Subject(s) - biofouling , membrane , ultrafiltration (renal) , fouling , chemical engineering , membrane fouling , materials science , permeation , surface modification , nanocomposite , nanoparticle , polyvinylidene fluoride , membrane technology , coating , nanotechnology , chemistry , chromatography , biochemistry , engineering
Abstract BACKGROUND Membrane fouling is a main obstacle hindering wider application of membrane technologies, and can cause a decline in flux and increased energy consumption, and more frequent chemical or membrane replacement can increase the operating costs. Membrane fouling is mainly governed by organic fouling and biofouling. In recent years, the development of new materials has provided new methods and thoughts for the research and development of antifouling and antibacterial membranes. RESULTS In this study, to obtain both a highly hydrophilic, antifouling and antibacterial poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane, in situ formed silver (Ag) nanoparticles were immobilized with silica (SiO 2 ) nanoparticles, and then chemically bound onto a PVDF ultrafiltration (UF) membrane surface. The surface modification processes were achieved through a remarkably facile and effective dip‐coating method. The impacts of Ag/SiO 2 nanocomposites on membrane performance were investigated when applied in membrane filtration processes simultaneously. This membrane showed higher hydrophilicity and water permeation flux. The PVDF membrane exhibited antibacterial properties and displayed better anti‐fouling performance. CONCLUSION The superior performance of the Ag/SiO 2 ‐PVDF membranes and this facile, effective and scalable modification method hold great promise for their practical application. This work would also be helpful for developing new antifouling and antibacterial membrane and related materials via a convenient and large‐scale method. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry