Imidazolium Ionic Liquid Modified Cellulose/Cellulose Nanocrystals Composite Membranes for Water Purification With Antimicrobial and Antifouling Properties

ABSTRACT This research aims at the modification of naturally abundant cellulose with imidazole‐based ionic liquid that is well known for antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti‐inflammatory properties. This modified novel material is blended with cellulose acetate in different weight percentages. Cellulose nanocrystals are incorporated in it for improved mechanical strength, high salt rejection and elevated water flux. The membranes are fabricated through phase inversion method using different compositions of synthesized material. The characterization of synthesized materials and fabricated membranes is done through 1 H‐NMR, FTIR, SEM, and XRD. Membranes' performance is evaluated by contact angle, tensile testing, water flux and salt rejection capacity. The best membrane (Mem10) demonstrated high salt rejection (85.03% for CaCl 2 , 82.3% for KCl, 76.1% for NaCl and 77.9% for sea water composition), significant water flux of 1627.68 Lm −2 h −1 , minimal fouling that is, 6% with 98.9% flux recovery and good mechanical strength (12.2% strain and 15.05 MPa stress). The membrane is hydrophilic having contact angle of 49.3° and exhibits remarkable antibacterial and antifungal properties which prevent it from biofouling and hence expand its durability. The results reveal successful synthesis of novel polymeric membrane having marvelous desalination capacity with exceptional effectiveness against microbes making clear water that is fit for domestic use.