Novel high throughput mixed matrix membranes embracing poly ionic liquid-grafted biopolymer: Fabrication, characterization, permeation and antifouling performance

• Published in: Journal of molecular liquids 2018-09, Vol.266, p.484-494
• Main Authors: Elshaarawy, Reda F.M., Dechnik, Janina, Hassan, Hassan M.A., Dietrich, Dennis, Betiha, Mohamed A., Schmidt, Stephan, Janiak, Christoph
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antibiofouling; Mixed matrix membranes; Nanocomposite; PIL-grafted biopolymer; Water flux
• ISSN: 0167-7322; 1873-3166
• DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2018.06.100

We report a simple and effective protocol for preparation of a poly-ionic liquid (PIL)-grafted chitosan Schiff base (PILCSB) and titanium oxide nanoparticles (TNPs) for application as an antibiofouling nanocomposite in the fabrication of new polysulfone (PSU) ultrafiltration mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The effect new additive (PILCSB@TNPs) on the porosity texture, pure water flux (PWF) and antibiofouling profile for modified MMMs was investigated. Interestingly, the surface hydrophilicity of these MMMs was remarkably enhanced in comparison to the neat PSU membrane (M0) as revealed from wettability and water contact- angle results (wettability/water contact angle = 29.18%/93.48° and 83.46%/57.35° for M0 and MMM6, respectively). [Display omitted] •A practical synthetic route of poly ionic liquid-chitosan Schiff bases (PILCSB) is reported.•PILCSB was employed for surface modification of polysulfone to give mixed matrix membranes (MMMs).•Surface hydrophilicity of the MMMs was remarkably enhanced compared to the neat PSU membrane.•Pure water flux recovery ratio (FRR) experiment showed higher water permeability for MMMs.•BSA filtration experiment demonstrates promoted and promising antifouling performance for MMMs.