In situ surface functionalization of reverse osmosis membranes with biocidal copper nanoparticles

Abstract

1Biofouling may lead to severe operational challenges that can significantly impair membrane 2 desalination processes. In recent years, copper-based nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) have gained 3 increased attention as a potentially viable anti-biofouling agent in membrane processes, due to 4 their strong antibacterial activity and relatively low cost. This study presents a novel and facile 5 method to attach biocidal Cu-NPs on the surface of a thin-film composite reverse osmosis 6 membrane. Herein, we suggest a method for membrane surface functionalization with Cu-NPs 7 that is performed without disassembling the membrane module, which highlights its practicality 8 and potential application for reverse osmosis desalination plants. The loading of Cu-NPs on the 9 membrane was confirmed both by scanning electron microscope imaging and X-ray 10 photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, indicating the deposited nanoparticles were composed of 11 either metallic copper or copper-oxide. The impact of the in situ Cu-NPs modification on 12 membrane transport properties was found to be minor, with only a slight increase of the water 13 and salt permeability. Furthermore, except for a slight increase in hydrophobicity, the modified 14 membrane exhibited surface properties comparable to those of the pristine membrane. Finally, 15 the in situ formed Cu-NPs imparted strong antibacterial activity to the membrane surface, 16 leading to 90 % reduction in the number of attached live E. coli bacteria on the modified 17 membrane compared to the pristine reverse osmosis membrane. This study demonstrates that in 18 situ grafting of Cu-NPs on reverse osmosis membranes is an alternative to reduce biofouling.19 20

Fabrication and characterization of novel antimicrobial thin film nano‐composite membranes based on copper nanoparticles

“…reported the functionalization of TFC RO membranes via electrostatic interaction using polyethylenimine (PEI)‐modified copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) added on the surface of a thin film composite PA, which led to a significant reduction (80–96%) of bacterial growth . The same researchers developed another strategy to functionalize RO membranes against biofouling based on self‐assembly of copper onto membrane surfaces . However, the synthesis of TFN membranes by adding CuNPs into the PA layer of a composite membrane has not yet been reported.…”

“…19 The same researchers developed another strategy to functionalize RO membranes against biofouling based on self-assembly of copper onto membrane surfaces. 20 However, the synthesis of TFN membranes by adding CuNPs into the PA layer of a composite membrane has not yet been reported.…”

Comparative environmental fate and toxicity of copper nanomaterials

“…Based on the antifungal and antimicrobial properties of Cu + 2 , Cu NPs are actively being developed for applications in agriculture and food preservation (Park et al, 2015;Montes et al, 2015;Dugal and Mascarenhas, 2015;Ray et al, 2015;Kalatehjari et al, 2015;Ponmurugan et al, 2016;Maniprasad et al, 2015;Majumder and Neogi, 2016;Villanueva et al, 2016), textiles (Majumder and Neogi, 2016;Sedighi and Montazer, 2016), paints, coatings (e.g. lumber treatment) and water treatment (Ben-Sasson et al, 2016;Ma et al, 2016;Dankovich and Smith, 2014). The number of applications for regulatory approval of Cu-based nanopesticides has increased substantially in the past few years, highlighting the need for information about the likely exposure routes, doses and adverse effects on non-target organisms.…”

A Facile Synthesis of Cu NPs and Ag NPs Coated by PS with Core-Shell Structure by Precipitation Polymerization

“…Metal nanoparticles (NPs), especially those of gold, silver, and copper, have attracted significant interest in fundamental research and technical applications. They have been utilized in numerous applications such as catalysis, optical modulations, data storage, as antimicrobial agents, lubrication, and self‐healing . Because of their large surface energy, metal nanoparticles have a strong inherent tendency to aggregate and agglomerate, which limits most industrial applications of nanoparticles.…”