Cross-linked hybrid nanofiltration membrane with antibiofouling properties and self-assembled layered morphology

A new siloxane monomer, 3-(3-(diethoxy(2-(5-(4-(10-ethoxy-4-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-11-oxa-2-ammonio-6-aza-10-silatridecan-10-yl)phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadi azol-2-ylthio)ethyl)silyl)propylamino)-2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethylpropan-1-aminium chloride (OA), was synthesized by reported 3-((4-(5-(2-((3-aminopropyl) diethoxysilyl)ethylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl) diethoxysilyl)propan-1-amine (APDSMO) and glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (GDTMAC) by epoxide ring-opening reaction. OA-poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hybrid antibiofouling nanofilter (NF) membranes were prepared by acid-catalyzed sol-gel followed by formal cross-linking. Membranes showed wormlike arrangement and self-assembled layered morphology with varying OA content. Hybrid NF membrane, especially OA-6, showed low surface roughness, high hydrophilic nature, low biofouling, high cross-linking density, thermal and mechanical stablility, solvent- and chlorine-tolerant nature, along with good permeability and salt rejection. Prepared OA-6 hybrid NF membrane can be used efficiently for desalting and purification of water with about 2.0 g/L salt content (groundwater in major part of India). The described method provides novel route for producing antibiofouling membranes of diversified applications.