Microfiltration Membranes Modified with Zinc by Plasma Treatment

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Polymer membranes are crucial for filtration.
• Membrane biofouling reduces efficiency.
• Surface modification can enhance membrane performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To modify polyamide membrane surfaces with Zn and ZnO coatings.
• To investigate the effect of Magnetron Sputtering-Physical Vapor Deposition (MS-PVD) parameters on membrane properties.
• To evaluate the antibacterial activity and filtration performance of coated membranes.

Main Methods:

• Surface modification using MS-PVD with one-component Zn, ZnO, and two-component Zn/ZnO coatings.
• Surface characterization via scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Analysis of surface roughness, wettability, and antibacterial activity against *Escherichia coli* and *Staphylococcus aureus*.

Main Results:

• MS-PVD parameters influenced membrane surface structure, chemical composition, and functional properties.
• All three types of coatings (Zn, ZnO, Zn/ZnO) resulted in membranes with similar filtration properties.
• Coated membranes demonstrated potential for antibacterial activity.

Conclusions:

• MS-PVD is a promising method for modifying polyamide membranes.
• Surface-modified membranes show potential for biofouling prevention in filtration.
• Further research can optimize coatings for enhanced anti-biofouling applications.