Preparation and antibacterial property of polyethersulfone ultrafiltration hybrid membrane containing halloysite nanotubes loaded with copper ions

Polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane containing halloysite nanotubes loaded with copper ions (Cu2+-HNTs/PES) were prepared via phase inversion method using polyethersulfone (PES) as membrane material and Cu2+-HNTs as an antibacterial agent, which were synthesized by chemical modification of HNTs with silane coupling agent, and then mixed with copper dichloride for complexing copper ions. The morphology and performance of the membranes were characterized by SEM, AFM, TEM, contact angle, and mechanical measurements. The hybrid membranes were shown to be more hydrophilic, with a higher pure water flux. Mechanical test revealed that the mechanical strength of hybrid membranes increased as the addition of Cu2+-HNTs. It was also found that Cu2+-HNTs were dispersed uniformly in the membrane. The antibacterial test indicated that the hybrid membranes showed good antibacterial performance against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus).

► Halloysite nanotubes act as a carrier of antibacterial agent for loading copper ions.
► PES UF membranes containing HNTs loaded with copper ions were prepared.
► The membranes showed good antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli and S. aureus.