Inclusion of silver nanoparticles for improving regenerated cellulose membrane performance and reduction of biofouling

The preparation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their incorporation into the structure of a regenerated cellulose membrane by dip coating is presented. Morphological characterization of the AgNPs (average diameter of 20 ± 2 nm) was carried out by SEM/TEM, while elastic, electrical and antimicrobial properties of the hybrid membrane were also analyzed. The presence of silver nanoparticles in the membrane seems to increases its rigidity and its chemical stability against oxidation, but it only induces small changes in the transport parameters. As expected, AgNPs provide antimicrobial properties to the membrane and consequently the reduction of biofouling without affecting significantly other characteristic parameters, opening the application of the modified membrane to wastewaters treatment.