Selective ion removal and antibacterial activity of silver-doped multi-walled carbon nanotube / polyphenylsulfone nanocomposite membranes

This study focuses on selective ion removal and antibacterial applications of silver-doped multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) nanocomposite membranes. The prepared Ag-doped MWCNTs are characterized according to their particle size distribution and specific surface area. Further, they are examined using transmission electron microscopy and several spectroscopic techniques; their morphology, topography, surface charge, porosity, and contact angles are reported. A performance evaluation demonstrates that the Ag-MWCNT/PPSU nanocomposite membrane exhibits unique properties and achieves optimal performance. The nanocomposite membrane exhibits significantly improved selective removal of Na2HAsO4, Na2Cr2O7, Na2SO4, NaCl, MgSO4, and MgCl2 ions from aqueous solutions compared to the pristine PPSU membrane. The antibacterial activity is evaluated using Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, and is found to be enhanced by the presence of Ag-MWCNTs, which endow the nanocomposite membrane with excellent antibacterial activity. Hence, the developed Ag-MWCNT/PPSU nanocomposite membrane with improved ion removal performance and antibacterial activity could be suitable for use in potable water applications.Graphical abstract
Source: Materials Chemistry and Physics - Category: Materials Science Source Type: research