Work

Surface-Engineered Polythiosemicarbazide Membranes via Chelation-Controlled Silver Nanoparticle Growth for Antibacterial and Underwater Oleophobic Performance

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Biofouling continues to limit the performance of ultrafiltration membranes for oil–water separation, creating demand for materials that combine high flux, strong selectivity, and built-in antimicrobial activity. Here, we report a chelating polythiosemicarbazide (PTSC) ultrafiltration membrane that supports in situ growth of silver nanoparticles through intrinsic Ag+ coordination and controlled chemical reduction. PTSC membranes were prepared by nonsolvent-induced phase separation using 12 wt% PTSC, loaded with Ag+ and reduced with NaBH4. PTSC showed high Ag+ uptake, reaching about 365 mg g–1 at 250 ppm with less than 3% silver release after prolonged immersion. The modified membrane remained highly hydrophilic and strongly underwater oleophobic, with oil contact angles above 100° for several oils. It showed a molecular weight cutoff near 270 kDa and delivered 97–99% oil rejection, a permeance of about 110–230 L m–2 h–1 bar–1, and antibacterial activity against Bacillus thuringiensis. These results highlight a strategy for multifunctional membranes with minimized silver leaching and fouling resistance.

Source: Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research

DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.6c02995

Authors: Jamaliah Aburabie, Sneha Thomas, Mostafa Khair, Raed Hashaikeh

Institution: New York University Abu Dhabi

Language: English

Topic: Membrane Separation Technologies

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500