PVA and CS cross-linking combined with in situ chimeric SiO2 nanoparticle adhesion to enhance the hydrophilicity and antibacterial properties of PTFE flat membranes

Abstract

Herein, a new hydrophilic and antibacterial polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) flat MF membrane was fabricated via a low-cost and simple preparation method in which chitosan (CS) was crosslinked with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) using epichlorohydrin (ECH) as a cross-linker followed by in situ chimeric SiO₂ nanoparticle adhesion. The surface of the modified membrane had decreased C and F contents, and a large number of hydrophilic groups appeared. The treated membrane had good hydrophilicity and antibacterial properties. Moreover, the PTFE-modified membrane had high separation efficiency and antifouling property for oil-in-water emulsions. Finally, the hydrophilic stability of the PTFE membrane was studied by subjecting it to continuous water rinsing and soaking in solutions of different pH values. The present study demonstrates that this modified membrane has potential practical applications in industrial wastewater recovery.