Synthesis and antibacterial properties of nanosilver-modified cellulose triacetate membranes for seawater desalination

To address the issue of biological pollution in cellulose triacetate (CTA) membranes during seawater desalination, silver (Ag) nanoparticles were incorporated onto the CTA surface using polydopamine (PDA). PDA, which contains phenolic and amino groups, exhibits excellent adhesiveness and provides active sites for the attachment and reduction for Ag nanoparticles. Various characterizations confirm the successful introduction of Ag nanoparticles onto the surface of the PDA-modified CTA (PCTA) membrane and the preservation of CTA microstructures. Antibacterial testing demonstrates that the Ag@PCTA membrane exhibited excellent antibacterial properties. Antibacterial ring experiments revealed significant bactericidal activity against five different bacterial strains, namely, <i>Bacillus cereus</i>, <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i>, <i>Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus</i>, <i>Lysinibacillus lparviboronicapiens</i> and <i>Burkholderia ambifaria</i>. Moreover, water flux and salt rejection rates of the Ag@PCTA membrane were comparable to those of the parent CTA membrane.