Abstract
Nanocomposite membrane (PES-CA-Ag2O) with disinfection properties were developed by inclusion of silver oxide (Ag2O) in polyethersulfone (PES) and cellulose acetate (CA) polymers. Pure PES, CA, PES-CA and nanocomposite membranes were prepared by casting method. Further copper (Cu) nanoparticles were grown on the surface of PES-CA membrane (Cu0@PES-CA) and nanocomposite membrane (Cu0@PES-CA-Ag2O). Structures, compositions and morphologies of all the prepared membranes were confirmed by XRD, FTIR and FESEM techniques. Various properties of PES, CA, PES-CA, PES-CA-Ag2O, Cu0@PES-CA and Cu0@PES-CA-Ag2O were comprehensively studied including water permeation flux, porosity, bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection, mechanical properties and contact angle measurement. Permeability of the PES-CA and PES-CA-Ag2O was around 63.3 and 92.88L·h−1·m−2bar−1 while after growing Cu nanoparticles on the surface of PES-CA and PES-CA-Ag2O, the water permeability reached 72.5 and 100.2L·h−1·m−2bar−1. PES-CA-Ag2O and Cu0@PES-CA-Ag2O also showed reasonable porosity. PES-CA-Ag2O and Cu0@PES-CA-Ag2O displayed a marked increase in BSA rejection (88.8 and 89.5, respectively) and the contact angle decreased from 73° to 63.5° and 60.25°, respectively proving the hydrophilic nature of the synthesized materials. Removal of toxic p-nitrophenol from aqueous media is challenging task due to its sorption fouling and tough degradation at lower concentrations. Catalytic reduction capacity of the Cu0@PES-CA and Cu0@PES-CA-Ag2O membranes for different substituted phenols were studied comprehensively Conclusively, unprecedented catalytic potential was observed. Finally, in vitro anti-bacterial activity of the synthesized materials was also investigated against E. coli with promising potential.
•PES-CA-Ag2O nanocomposite membrane supported Cu nanoparticles were synthesized.•These nanocomposite were studied for their antifouling property, porosity, water permeability and contact angle.•Antimicrobial activity of the synthesized nanoparticle were studied.•Nitrophenol reduction of the synthesized nanoparticle were investigated in aqueous medium.