Preparation of an antibacterial Polymeric Membrane Using Nanosilver Extracted from Mulberry Leaves

antibacterial Polymeric Membrane Using Nanosilver

Abstract

Ultrafiltration membrane technology is vital for water purification, especially when incorporating nanoparticles due to their unique properties. In this study, anti-fouling and antibacterial membranes were created by blending polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with a silver nanoparticle (AgNP) solution synthesized through an eco-friendly method using mulberry leaf extract. Mixed matrix PVC/AgNP membranes exhibited enhanced properties and performance over the pristine membrane. FTIR and SEM analyses identified functional groups in M1 and M4 and characterized membrane morphology. The manufactured mixed matrix membranes, prepared with 15 wt% PVC and different AgNP wt%, displayed superior mechanical properties compared to the pristine M1. The addition of AgNP solution increased the water uptake capacity of the membranes, as shown by contact angles of 66.1° for the pristine M1 (15% PVC), 54.7° for M4, and 62.7° for M2. Membrane performance improvements were evident, with M1 achieving permeate flux values of 301.4, 314.5, 317.4, 336.9, and 366.4 L/m²·h. M4 exhibited higher flux values of 338.4, 347.4, 354.9, 364.6, and 377.4 L/m²·h during humic acid separation. Bacterial removal tests using Tigris River water showed that M4 achieved a 99.9% removal rate, compared to 58.7% for M1. BOD, COD, and turbidity analyses confirmed M4’s superior efficiency in reducing concentrations to 5 mg/L, 7 mg/L, and 0.74 FNU, meeting WHO standards. Fouling resistance tests demonstrated M2's excellent anti-fouling properties, with a flux recovery ratio (FRR) of 99.8%. Therefore, the membrane M2 proves to be an effective anti-fouling.