MoS2@ZIF-8 doped waterborne polyurethane membranes with water vapor permeable, lubricating, and antibacterial properties

In this research, a multi-functional waterborne polyurethane (WPU) membrane was developed through the in-situ synthesis of molybdenum disulfide/zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (MoS2@ZIF-8) nanoparticles and then the introduction of these nanoparticles into a waterborne polyurethane emulsion. The photocatalysis of MoS2@ZIF-8 nanoparticles were improved due to the rapid transfer of photo-inspired electrons from MoS2 to ZIF-8, resulting in higher yields of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill bacteria. Hence, inactivating 93% and 99.3% of E. coli and S. aureus after 60 min, respectively. Moreover, the inactivation using the MoS2@ZIF-8 nanoparticles was dramatically superior to the pure MoS2 and ZIF-8. Additionally, compared with a pure WPU membrane, the mechanical properties of the composite membranes increased significantly, where the maximum tensile strength and elongation at break reached 51 MPa and 237%, respectively. Meanwhile, the introduction of the MoS2@ZIF-8 nanoparticles into the WPU membrane at a concentration of 0.5% improved the water vapor permeability to as high as 215.55 g/(m2·24 h) and enhanced the tribological properties with an ultralow friction coefficient (0.05). Therefore, the MoS2@ZIF-8/WPU composite membranes show promise as multifunctional coating materials due to their high water vapor permeability, good lubricating performance, and photo-responsive disinfection properties.