Surface Modification of TFC Membranes using Silver Nanoparticles to Enhance Membrane Fouling Resistance for Desalination and Wastewater Treatment

Biological fouling (bio-fouling) is one the main troubles in water desalination and wastewater treatmentby membrane processes. In the present study, bio-fouling control approach by surface modification ofthin film composite (TFC) membrane with nanosilver coating has been investigated. In order to determinethe effectiveness of nanosilver coating, various concentrations of sodium chloride and soft drinkwastewater was tested by modified and unmodified membranes. The results showed that the waterpermeability was improved at least as much as ۱۱.۵% for the modified membrane in desalination process.Moreover, the modified membrane (MM) rejection ability towards NaCl was excellent compared to theunmodified membrane (Un-MM). Finally, the stability of MM and Un-MM against bio-fouling effectswas investigated by wastewater treatment. The results implied that the antibiological fouling intensity ofthe MM was higher than Un-MM.