Phytic acid-copper coordination network-based composite membranes for simultaneous nanofiltration and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity

The “trade-off” effect of membranes and biofouling are significant barriers to the advancement of membrane technology for nanofiltration. We suggest an innovative approach that is both eco-friendly and economically feasible to overcome these obstacles. Hydrophilic phytic acid (PhA) was employed as a modifying agent, and PhA-TFC membranes were created by using interfacial polymerization to insert PhA into the polyamide layer. Expanding on this, Cu 2+ was introduced to coordinate with PhA, leading to the successful preparation of Cu 2+ PhA-TFC composite nanofiltration membranes with high flux, robust stability, and demonstrates outstanding antibacterial efficacy. The Cu 2+ PhA-TFC membrane's surface displayed an extra granular morphological structure, which was markedly more hydrophilic and had an increased net negative surface charge a clean water flux of 54.06 LMH was shown by the constructed membrane, combining high water permeability with favorable salt rejection. The Cu 2+ PhA-TFC membrane significantly inhibited both E. coli and S. aureus when compared to the pure TFC membrane. The results show that Cu 2+ PhA-TFC possesses a synergistic combination of high permeability, exceptional desalination efficiency, and potent anti-biofouling performance. We conducted a detailed analysis of the performance enhancement mechanism, and this innovation offers an innovative perspective for development of advanced antibacterial NF membranes.