Silver-polyamidoamine/graphene oxide thin film nanofiltration membrane with improved antifouling and antibacterial properties for water purification and desalination

Graphene oxide (GO), silver (Ag), and polyamidoamine (PAMAM) have individually proven effective at enhancing the properties of thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes. Here, we report their synergic efficacy for water purification and desalination purposes. We fabricate TFN membranes filled with Ag-PAMAM-decorated graphene oxide (GO@PAMAM@Ag) and characterize their surface hydrophilicity, water permeability, salt and dye retentions, and antibacterial and antifouling capacities. We show that TFNs filled with 0.02 wt% GO@PAMAM@Ag have a contact angle of ~26°, down from ~53° in the pristine form, exhibiting strong antifouling properties. Molecular weight cut-off values of the membranes indicate that the filler considerably reduces the pore size of the membranes. We show that the filler improves the rejection capacity of TFN membranes against Na 2 SO 4 and Cr(NO 3 ) 3 and imparts to the membranes excellent dye retention (>99% for Viola Crystallina) and inhibitory effects against two main causative agents of bloodstream infections, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . Overall, GO@PAMAM@Ag-filled TFN membranes exhibit quality performance across several indicators showing great promise for use in water treatment facilities. • TFN water membranes filled with Ag-PAMAM-decorated graphene oxide (GO@PAMAM@Ag) were fabricated and characterized. • GO@PAMAM@Ag considerably reduced the contact angle of TFC membranes. • TFN membranes exhibited excellent dye retention and high rejection against Na2SO4 and Cr(NO3)3. • TFN membranes showed strong inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus .