Antimicrobial polysulfone blended ultrafiltration membranes prepared with Ag/Cu2O hybrid nanowires

Abstract In this study, Ag–Cu 2 O nanowires (NWs) blended polysulfone (PSF) membranes with outstanding antimicrobial performance were successfully prepared via phase inversion. L -dopa was grafted onto the surface of Cu 2 O nanowires by in situ polymerization to create a zwitterionic surface, which gave suitable positions to fix the silver nanoparticles. SEM, XRD, FTIR and HRTEM results showed that Ag nanoparticles (NPs) were evenly and firmly loaded on the surface of Cu 2 O nanowires. The antibacterial tests revealed that the blended membranes possessed an enhanced antibacterial effect against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . The blended membranes held a remarkable antibacterial duration with very little release of Ag + . Compared to pure PSF membrane, the blended membranes exhibited superior permeation property, especially when the Ag–Cu 2 O NWs content was 0.5 wt%. The method described in this paper provides a new and effective route to the rational design of antimicrobial membranes with good bactericidal activity and stability.