The surface modification of polyamide membranes using graphene oxide

This paper presents the results of the surface modification of polyamide membranes using graphene oxide (GO) for reducing bacterial contamination. Prior to GO deposition on the surface of the membrane plasma treatment was used with a mixture of argon and oxygen (Ar-O-2) to activate the surface of the flat sheet membranes. As a result, the process conditions for plasma activation were selected, which allow GO to be attached to the surface of polyamide membranes. In the study, the effect of a deposition of GO aqueous dispersion on filtration, antibacterial properties and morphology of produced materials was investigated. The elaborated conditions allowed to obtain membranes with antibacterial properties and high water permeability.