Self-assembled silicananocrystal-based anti-biofouling nanofilter membranes

Abstract

Herein, we report synthesis of organosiloxane 3-(2-((3-aminopropyl)diethoxysilyl)ethylthio)-5-(4-((3-aminopropyl)diethoxy silyl)phenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-amine (TS) by Barbiar–Grignard reaction. Hybrid nanofiltration (NF) membranes were prepared from TS and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) via sol–gel process followed by cross-linking and grafting of phosphonic acid groups. Physicochemical properties of these membranes revealed their stable (thermal, mechanical, and chemical) and chlorine tolerant nature. HRTEM analysis reveals homogenous silica distribution in the membrane matrix. The cross-link density of the membrane and the preparation conditions were studied in terms of NF performance. An Escherichia coli bacterium was used to study antibacterial activity and anti-biofouling properties of the hybrid membrane. The short-term bacterial stability test showed that membrane TS-60a has good anti-fouling properties. Moreover TS-60a membrane showed excellent stability and anti-biofouling capability in long-time operation.