Preparation and characterization of NaY/PVDF hybrid ultrafiltration membranes containing silver ions as antibacterial materials

A novel antibacterial ultrafiltration (UF) membrane obtained by blending poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) with Ag+ exchanged NaY zeolite particles (AgNaY) was prepared using phase inversion methods. The AgNaY hybrid PVDF membranes exhibited excellent and long-lasting antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli). Its antibacterial activity was improved with increased Ag+ content. The hydrophilicity of P-AgNaY-3 was improved with a low contact angle of 81.6°. Compared with P-0, the permeate performance, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of P-AgNaY were improved with a steady bovine serum albumin (BSA) retention above 92%. Antibacterial activity of the membranes against E. coli was measured using the halo zone test. The characterization of AgNaY/PVDF hybrid membranes was investigated by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, tensile stress tests, thermogravimetric analysis, contact angle tests, pure water flux, and permeation flux.

Research Highlights
► An antibacterial ultrafiltration membrane was obtained by blending PVDF with AgNaY.
► P-AgNaY shown excellent and long-lasting antibacterial activity against E. coli.
► The antibacterial activity was improved with increased Ag+ content.
► The hydrophilicity, thermal stability, and mechanical properties were improved.
► The permeate performance was improved with a steady BSA retention.