Synthesis and characterization of nanocomposite based polymeric membrane (PES/PVP/GO-TiO2) and performance evaluation for the removal of various antibiotics (amoxicillin, azithromycin & ciprofloxacin) from aqueous solution

Abstract

The escalating global concern regarding antibiotic pollution necessitates the development of advanced water treatment strategies. This study presents an innovative approach through the fabrication and evaluation of a Polyethersulfone (PES) membrane adorned with GO-TiO₂ nanocomposites. The objective is to enhance the removal efficiency of various antibiotics, addressing the challenge of emerging organic compounds (EOCs) in water systems. The nanocomposite membranes, synthesized via the phase inversion method, incorporate hydrophilic agents, specifically GO-TiO₂ nanocomposites and Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The resultant membranes underwent comprehensive characterization employing AFM, EDS, tensile strength testing, water contact angle measurements, and FESEM to elucidate their properties. Analysis revealed a substantial improvement in the hydrophilicity of the modified membranes attributed to the presence of hydroxyl groups within the GO-TiO₂ structure. AFM images demonstrated an augmentation in surface roughness with increasing nanocomposite content. FESEM images unveiled structural modifications, leading to enhanced porosity and augmented water flux. The pure water flux elevated from 0.980 L/m².h^-1 for unmodified membranes to approximately 6.85 L/m².h^-1 for membranes modified with 2 wt% nanocomposites. Membrane performance analysis indicated a direct correlation between nanocomposite content and antibiotic removal efficiency, ranging from 66.52% to 89.81% with 4 wt% nanocomposite content. Furthermore, the nanocomposite-modified membrane exhibited heightened resistance to fouling. The efficacy of the membrane extended to displaying potent antibacterial properties against microbial strains, including S. aureus, E. coli, and Candida. This study underscores the immense potential of GO-TiO₂ decorated PES membranes as a sustainable and efficient solution for mitigating antibiotic contamination in water systems. The utilization of nanocomposite membranes emerges as a promising technique to combat the presence of EOC pollutants, particularly antibiotics, in water bodies, thus addressing a critical environmental concern.

Keywords: Antibacterial properties; Antibiotics; Emerging organic compounds; GO-TiO(2); Nanocomposite membrane; Water treatment.