In this study, dual-functional block copolymer brush with fouling resistant and antimicrobial properties is grafted on graphene oxide (GO) coated polyamide membranes to control biofouling. The block copolymer brush is constructed with a bacteria-defending" zwitterionic poly (sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) block and a bacteria-"attacking" biocidal poly (amino acid) (poly (methacryloyl-L-Lysine), PLysMA) block. Due to its abundant oxygen-containing functional groups, GO offers reaction sites for polymer brush grafting with minor compromise on membrane water flux. The activators regenerated by electron transfer-atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET-ATRP) technique is utilized to controllably grow the block copolymer brush on the membrane with desired density, thickness and architecture. With the bacteria-"attacking" moiety on top, the fabricated membrane reduces biofouling caused by Gram-positive bacteria, B. subtilis, via the bacterial- "defending" and -"attacking" synergistic effect. The fabricated membrane exhibits a lower flux reduction (27%) associated with E. coli proliferation in comparison to that (80%) of the pristine polyamide (PA) membrane under the same operating condition. Nearly 100% flux recovery is observed on the fabricated membrane after two cycles of "fouling-cleaning", while only 94% recovery of flux is observed on the control polyamide membrane.<br/>

Dual-functional block copolymer brushes grafted reverse osmosis membranes with improved antifouling performance

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.