Synthesis of Ag–SiO2–APTES Nanocomposites by Blending Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) Membrane with Potential Applications on Dye Wastewater Treatment

In the study, the Ag–SiO2–APTES nanocomposite was synthesized via the self-assembly method to prepare Ag–SiO2 and subsequently used 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) to functionalize its surface. The as-prepared Ag–SiO2–APTES nanocomposite was embedded into poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane by the co-blending way to fabricate the Ag–SiO2–APTES membrane. The Ag–SiO2–APTES nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). These membrane materials were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and FT-IR spectra. The performance of membrane was investigated simultaneously for removing the organic dye methylene blue (MB), Rhodamine B, Direct Red 28 and anti-microbial ability. The experimental results demonstrated that the Ag–SiO2–APTES modified membrane were presented to be more hydrophilic with a contact angle 55.6[Formula: see text], whereas the pristine PVDF membrane was 81.8[Formula: see text]. The dye rejection ratios were also improved after adding Ag–SiO2–APTES, which reached 86.8% for MB, 87% Rhodamine B, 88% for Direct Red 28, besides, the removal rate of MB was about 98.7% at pH [Formula: see text] 11. More importantly, the Ag–SiO2–APTES membranes exhibited excellent antifouling properties for treating MB solution and could reach 85% of flux recovery ratio after four cyclic experiment. Finally, via inhibition zone method of antimicrobial test Ag–SiO2–APTES membrane exhibited the antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) excellently. The novel antifouling and antibacterial Ag–SiO2–APTES membrane has a potential for dye wastewater treatment and water purity.