Fuente: Polymers Polymers, Vol. 18, Pages 1096: Engineering Antifouling Polysulfone Membranes Enhanced with Hydroxylated Amino-Functionalized TiO2 Nanotubes for Superior Water Filtration
Polymers doi: 10.3390/polym18091096
Authors:
Ibrahim Hotan Alsohaimi
Mosaed S. Alhumaimess
Abdulelah Nashmi Alrashidi
Hassan Alwael
Meshal Alzaid
Mohamed R. El-Aassar
Ahmed A. Alshahrani
Hamud A. Altaleb
Hassan M. A. Hassan

Developing membranes with superior antifouling properties is crucial for efficient and sustainable water treatment. In this study, polysulfone (PSM) composite membranes were fabricated by incorporating hydroxylated titanium nanotubes (TNT@OH) via the non-solvent-induced phase separation method. The hydroxylation of TNTs enhanced their dispersion in the polymer matrix and promoted strong polymer–nanoparticle interactions. Comprehensive characterization using FTIR, XRD, TGA, FESEM, and AFM confirmed the successful integration of TNT@OH, resulting in membranes with improved hydrophilicity, porosity, and thermal stability. The contact angle decreased from ~88° for neat PSM to ~50° at 7 wt% TNT@OH, while surface free energy increased significantly. Mechanical strength and flexibility were also enhanced at optimal TNT@OH loadings (3–5 wt%), owing to uniform dispersion and strong interfacial bonding. Filtration experiments using humic acid (HA) and natural organic matter (NOM) demonstrated remarkable improvements in water flux, rejection efficiency, and fouling resistance. The composite membranes achieved HA rejection rates of up to 98%, with reduced irreversible fouling and higher flux recovery ratios across multiple filtration–cleaning cycles. The proposed antifouling mechanism is attributed to the formation of a stable hydration layer by surface hydroxyl groups, which prevents foulant adhesion and facilitates cleaning. These findings suggest that incorporating TNT@OH into polysulfone membranes is a promising approach for developing high-performance ultrafiltration membranes with enhanced permeability, mechanical robustness, and long-term antifouling stability, thereby making them suitable for advanced water purification applications.