Preparation of a novel PSf membrane containing rGO/PTh and its physical properties and membrane performance

Recent advances in the fabrication of nanostructures such as graphene-related materials have received a lot of attention in membrane technology for the future of water supplies. Herein, we report the synthesis of a reduced graphene oxide/polythiophene (rGO/PTh) composite material using an in situ enzymatic polymerization reaction, which is an eco-friendly and a simple way to construct a nanocomposite material. Polysulfone (PSf) mixed matrix composite membranes containing rGO and rGO/PTh were prepared via a phase inversion method. The morphology of the membranes was evaluated by various characterization methods, including SEM, AFM, contact angle and porosity measurements. The performance and antifouling properties of the membranes were examined in detail. The PSf-rGO/PTh membrane showed a significant improvement in water flux permeability due to the enhancement of hydrophilicity and porosity. Moreover, the PSf-rGO/PTh membrane exhibited an approximately 10 times higher improved water flux than that of the rGO membrane as the pressure was increased. The fouling resistance ratio (FRR) and antifouling properties of the membranes were tested using two different protein solutions: bovine serum albumin (BSA) and cytochrome c (Ctc). The antifouling and FRR properties of the PSf-rGO/PTh membrane decreased due to not only the interactions between the functional groups on the membrane surface and fouling materials, but also the morphological properties of the membrane.