Abstract

The aim of this work was to develop anti-biofouling reverse osmosis membranes by incorporating copper (II) oxide (CuO) nanoparticles. The polyamide membrane synthesis was obtained by interfacial polymerization process which the reaction occurred from the aqueous phase of m-phenylenediamine (MPD) and the organic phase of trimesoyl chloride (TMC) on a porous polysulfone support (PS). CuO nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed in MPD to prepare nanoparticles entrapped in the polyamide layer ((PA-CuO)/PS). Membranes were characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (Fe-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDX) and fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). Biofouling test were realized by colony forming units method (CFU) using E. Coli bacteria. Furthermore, distribution of bacteria on the membrane was checked by epifluorescence microscopy by using fluorescent stain DAPI (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole). The incorporation of nanoparticles was confirmed by XRD and Fe-SEM analysis demonstrated that nanoparticles were embedded in polyamide chains of the membrane. Also, elemental analysis by EDX demonstrated the presence of nanoparticles on the membrane. The FTIR data confirm the formation of polyamide layer with CuO nanoparticles. Biofouling test showed that colonies of bacteria decreased until 50% in presence of the modified membranes (PA-CuO)/PS with respect to membrane pristine. Furthermore, anti-adhesion test showed that in presence of modified membranes the number of cells per area of membrane decreased significantly. In conclusion, an enhancement in the anti-biofouling effect was achieved with this modification.