The role of silver nanoparticles on mixed matrix Ag/cellulose acetate asymmetric membranes

Mixed matrix asymmetric membranes were prepared by the addition of silver nanoparticles to cellulose acetate/acetone/formamide casting solutions with ratios acetone/formamide varying from 1.44 to 2.77 to prepare ultrafiltration/nanofiltration membranes covering a wide range of hydraulic permeabilities. Binding of the silver nanoparticles to the polymer matrix is revealed through comparison of the FTIR spectra of the cellulose acetate and the Ag/cellulose acetate membranes. In the later, there is a decrease of the ratio between the bands intensities at 2,000–2,500 cm⁻¹. Membrane surface charge of the mixed matrix membranes varies with the pore size and pH, and when compared with cellulose acetate membranes there is a decrease of the negative surface charge densities. The silver nanoparticles in all mixed matrix membranes results in an enhancement of the hydraulic permeabilities, ranging from 10.8 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ bar⁻¹ to 67.1 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ bar⁻¹. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:32–39, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers