Reverse osmosis nanocomposite membranes containing graphene oxides coated by tannic acid with chlorine-tolerant and antimicrobial properties

Abstract Graphene oxides coated by tannic acid (GOT) can be obtained easily by the self-polymerization of tannic acid in basic buffer solution on a graphene oxide surface. Polyamide reverse osmosis nanocomposite membranes containing GOT in the active layer were prepared by the interfacial polymerization using an organic solution containing trimesoyl chloride and an aqueous solution containing m -phenylene diamine and GOT. The polyamide membrane containing GOT (PA-GOT) showed significantly improved performances such as water flux, chlorine resistance, and antimicrobial properties, compared to the polyamide membrane without any additives and the polyamide membranes containing only tannic acid and/or graphene oxide. These high performances of PA-GOT membrane could be ascribed to a various of advantageous properties of GOT such as improved hydrophilicity, oxidative stress capability, barrier property, and compatibility with the polymer matrix.