Robust synthesis of free-standing films comprising conjugated microporous polymers nanotubes for water disinfection

Water environmental pollution especially caused by bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms always would accelerate the spread of infectious diseases and has been one of the issues highly concerned by the World Health Organization for a long time. The development of novel antibacterial materials with high activity for water cleanness was of great importance for public health and ecological sustainable development. In this work, we developed two really free-standing conjugated microprous polymers (CMPs) film with large size and processibility by a simple and convenient solid surface-assisted polymerization between bromo-and aryl-acetylene monomers. With the solid interfacial orientation from silica nanofibers, the resulting CMPs film exhibited nanotube-liked morphology with BET surface area of 379.5 m2 g-1 and 480.1 m2 g-1. The introduction of antibacterial isocyanurate and acetanilide group into polymer skeleton brings the resulting CMPs film intrinsically antimicrobial capability and durability. The growth of E. coli can be completely inhibited by the resulting CMPs film even after several cycles. Our work was suggested to provide a new route for rational design of CMPs film or membrane with antibacterial activity for water treatment and sterilization.

Automated summary

In this study, we developed antibacterial conjugated microporous polymer films through solid surface-assisted polymerization. The resulting films showed effective inhibition of bacterial growth, suggesting their potential application in water treatment and sterilization.