Novel AgNWs-PAN/TPU membrane for point-of-use drinking water electrochemical disinfection

作者：Tan, Xiaojun; Chen, Chao; Hu, Yongyou^*; Wen, Junjie; Qin, Yanzhe; Cheng, Jianhua; Chen, Yuancai

来源：Science of the Total Environment, 2018, 637: 408-417.

DOI：10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.05.012

• Point-of-use
• Electrochemical disinfection
• Silver nanowires
• Electrospinning

The safety of drinking water remains a major challenge in developing countries and point-of-use (POU) drinking water treatment device plays an important role in decentralised drinking water safety. In this study, a novel material, i.e. a silver nanowires-polyacrylonitrile/thermoplastic polyurethane (AgNWs-PAN/TPU) composite membrane, was fabricated via electrospinning and vacuum filtration deposition. Morphological and structural characterisation showed that the PAN/TPU fibres had uniform diameters and enhanced mechanical properties. When added to these fibres, the AgNWs formed a highly conductive network with good physical stability and low silver ion leaching (<100 ppb). A POU device equipped with a AgNWs-PAN/TPU membrane displayed complete removal of 10(5) CFU/mL bacteria, which were inactivated by silver ions released from the AgNWs within 6 h. Furthermore, under a voltage of 1.5 V, the bacteria were completely inactivated within 20-25 min. Inactivation efficiency in 5 mM NaCl solution was higher than those in Na2SO4 and NaNO3 solutions. We concluded that a strong electric field was formed at the AgNW tips. Additionally, silver ions and chlorine compounds worked synergistically in the disinfection process. This study provides a scientific basis for research and development of silver nanocomposite membranes, with high mechanical strength and high conductivity, for POU drinking water disinfection.

• 出版日期2018-10-1
• 单位华南理工大学