This study investigates the effect of surface modification of thin-film composite (TFC) membranes with silver-based metal organic framework (Ag-MOF) nanorods to improve the anti-biofouling and antimicrobial activity of the membranes. Ag-MOF nanorods were synthesized with silver acetate as the metal source and 2-aminoterephthalic acid as the organic linker. Due to the presence of amine-containing functional groups on the surface of nanorods, the interaction between the nanorods and the polyamide was favored. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterizations indicate successful grafting of Ag-MOF nanorods on the selective layer of thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes. TFN membranes demonstrated improved water permeance, salt selectivity, and superior antibacterial properties which led toward biofouling mitigation. By applying a low amount of Ag-MOF nanorods (0.2 wt %), the number of live bacteria attached to the surface of the neat TFC membrane decreased by more than 92%. Following contact of the TFN membrane surface with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, full inactivation, and degradation of bacteria cells were observed with microscopy, colony-forming unit tests, and disc inhibition zone analyses. In other words, only a negligible amount of the biofilm formed on the active layer because of prolonged antibacterial properties provided by Ag-MOF nanorods.

Modifying the active surface of TFC membranes by Ag-MOF nanorods to improve anti-biofouling performance for water treatment application

ACS Fall 2021

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