Synergistic Effects of Cur-AgNPs/PSF Mixed Matrix Membranes: Enhanced Separation, Antibacterial, and Antioxidant Performance
摘要
Curcumin-modified silver nanoparticles (Cur-AgNPs) were synthesized through a green approach and incorporated into a polysulfone (PSF) matrix to fabricate Cur-AgNPs/PSF mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). Subsequently, their separation, antibacterial, antibiofouling, and antioxidant characteristics were examined. The research findings demonstrated that during the nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS), the hydrophilic ligand (AgNPs) of the Cur-AgNPs amphiphilic additives segregated towards the polymer/water interface, while the hydrophobic portion (Cur) was firmly anchored within the polymer matrix, leading to partial surface enrichment. The obtained Cur-AgNPs/PSF MMMs displayed uniform dispersion along with surface enrichment. Compared with the pristine PSF membrane, the Cur-AgNPs/PSF MMMs demonstrated superior performance, with the pure water flux attaining 328.92 L·m− 2·h− 1·bar − 1 and the BSA rejection rate rising to 91.23%. The membranes also manifested favorable antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). After fouling by S. aureus and E. coli, the flux recovery ratio reached 70–80%, which was notably higher than that of the PSF membrane. Additionally, the Cur-AgNPs/PSF MMMs displayed excellent free radical scavenging capacity. The incorporation of the amphiphilic Cur-AgNPs effectively enhanced the separation performance and antibiofouling property of PSF membranes.