A high flux ultrafiltration membrane with a multi-hydrophilic particle additive and controlled self-assembly of micellar particles

Abstract

Ultrafiltration membranes in the fields of water treatment and biomedicine should have high permeability as well as antibacterial and antifouling capabilities. In this study, a novel, controllable, self-assembled soft micelle particle based on the combination of tri-block-copolymers and dopamine hydrochloride is designed as a multifunctional additive. High molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone k85 was used as a pore forming and hydrophilic agent. Liquid–liquid phase transformation was used to modify a polyether sulfone-based membrane. The morphology and characteristics of the modified membranes were analyzed via X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, laser confocal microscopy, water contact angle, permeability measurements, mechanical measurements, and antifouling and antibacterial tests. Moreover, the zwitterionic blend polyether sulfone ultrafiltration membrane possessed an overall electrically neutral segment, resulting in a high water flux, water flux recovery rate, and BSA retention rate. The pure water flux of the modified membrane was as high as 422 L m⁻² h⁻¹, and the rejection rate of bovine serum albumin was 97.83%. Additionally, the modified membrane demonstrates an effective antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli.