Optimization of 2D Ag-MBene-Modified Polyethersulfone Ultrafiltration Membranes for Enhanced Water Treatment Performance

Modified PES ultrafiltration membranes containing Ag-MBene nanoparticles were developed via the non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) technique and evaluated for tertiary-treated sewage (TSE) filtration applications. This study aims to establish an integrated understanding of membrane structure, properties, and performance by correlating morphology, roughness, hydrophilicity, porosity, permeability, antifouling properties, and pollutant rejection capabilities. Ag-MBene nanomaterials were incorporated into the PES membrane at various loading concentrations to increase the membrane hydrophilicity and antifouling characteristics. The detailed characterization of membrane samples was performed using SEM, AFM, EDS, FTIR, contact angle analysis, and porosity evaluation. The membranes exhibited distinct structural features after the addition of Ag-MBene nanomaterials. SEM analysis revealed enhanced macropore formation and increased pore interconnectivity at a relatively moderate loading concentration of nanoparticles. AFM analysis further confirmed progressive membrane roughness enhancement after incorporating Ag-MBene particles. The contact angle decreased from 81.2° (UF00) to 47.3° (UF1.5), indicating enhanced hydrophilicity of the modified membranes. UF0.5 exhibited the most balanced overall performance due to optimized pore morphology, improved wettability, and uniform nanoparticle dispersion. The modified membranes also exhibited enhanced flux performance, more reversible fouling behavior, and improved chemical oxygen demand (COD)/total suspended solids (TSS) removal efficiency than pristine membranes. ANOVA revealed significant differences among various membranes (p < 0.05), and the UF0.5 configuration was identified as the optimal membrane based on its balanced structural and performance characteristics. These findings demonstrate that balanced optimization of membrane morphology, hydrophilicity, and nanoparticle dispersion is essential for maximizing ultrafiltration performance.