Infusion of Silver–Polydopamine Particles into Polyethersulfone Matrix to Improve the Membrane’s Dye Desalination Performance and Antibacterial Property

• Main Authors: Hazel Lynn C. Maganto, Micah Belle Marie Yap Ang, Gian Vincent C. Dizon, Alvin R. Caparanga, Ruth R. Aquino, Shu-Hsien Huang, Hui-An Tsai, Kueir-Rarn Lee
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-03-01
• Series: Membranes
• Subjects: silver; polydopamine; polyethersulfone; nanofiltration; mixed-matrix membrane
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0375/11/3/216

The advancement in membrane science and technology, particularly in nanofiltration applications, involves the blending of functional nanocomposites into the membranes to improve the membrane property. In this study, Ag-polydopamine (Ag-PDA) particles were synthesized through in situ PDA-mediated reduction of AgNO₃ to silver. Infusing Ag-PDA particles into polyethersulfone (PES) matrix affects the membrane property and performance. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses confirmed the presence of Ag-PDA particles on the membrane surface. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) describe the morphology of the membranes. At an optimum concentration of Ag-PDA particles (0.3 wt % based on the concentration of PES), the modified membrane exhibited high water flux 13.33 L∙m⁻²∙h⁻¹ at 4 bar with high rejection for various dyes of >99%. The PES_Ag-PDA0.3 membrane had a pure water flux more than 5.4 times higher than that of a pristine membrane. Furthermore, in bacterial attachment using <i>Escherichia coli</i>, the modified membrane displayed less bacterial attachment compared with the pristine membrane. Therefore, immobilizing Ag-PDA particles into the PES matrix enhanced the membrane performance and antibacterial property.