Biofouling Prevention With an Electrically Conducting Polymer Nanocomposite Membrane

Electrically conductive polymer-nanocomposite (ECPNC) reverse osmosis (RO) thin film membranes were demonstrated to have biofilm-preventing capabilities under extreme bacteria and organic material loadings. A simple route to the creation and application of these polyamide-carbon nanotube thin films is reported along with characterization by SEM, TEM and FTIR. These polymer nanocomposite thin film materials boast high electrical conductivity (~400 S/m), good NaCl rejection (>95%), and high water permeability. Biofouling capabilities were studied. The prevention of biofilm formation on the ECPNC membranes was a long-term effect, did not decrease with use, and was highly reproducible.