Intensifying antibacterial and electrochemical behaviors of CuO induced-ion exchange membrane for water treatment.

The PVC-based heterogeneous type cationic membranes were constructed by incorporation of copper oxide nanoparticles to enhance the antimicrobial and electrochemical behaviors of them in water treatment. The SOM and SEM/EDX indicated uniform structure for the fabricated membranes. Contact-angle results showed improvement of membrane surface hydrophilicity in presence of CuO NPs. Water uptake also changed by incorporation of CuO. According to 3D surface results, composite membranes showed rougher surface in comparison with pristine ones. The potential, t-number and permselectivity enhanced initially up to 1%wt CuO concentration and then declined by further CuO from 1 to 4%wt. All mentioned parameters increased again at 8%wt nanoparticles concentration. Ionic flux promoted for blended membranes up to 2%wt CuO and then declined by growing CuO. Blended membrane containing 0.5%wt CuO with lowest electrical resistance (< 9.6 Ω.cm2) and (> 94%) selectivity showed more appreciate act compared to reported ones. The CuO induced-ion exchange membranes exhibited superior antibacterial effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]