Insight into the Mechanism of Decontamination and Disinfection at the Functionalized Carbon Nanotube–Polymer Interfaces

The role of different functional groups and the nature of the functional group on multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) surface were thoroughly studied for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) loading and on the mechanism of decontamination and disinfection. The surfactant free method for grafting of AgNPs on MWCNT surface followed by vacuum annealing was adapted to enhance the interfacial interactions of nanomaterials with bacteria. The best performing functionalized MWCNT was selected for the fabrication of functional composite membrane for further insight into the interfacial interaction of polymer–nanomaterials. It has been shown that at an optimized weight percentage loading of functionalized MWCNTs, nanotube scaffolds were generated inside the pores of polysulfone membrane to sieve out toxic metal ions and bacteria by physical and chemical elimination without compromising the flux rate of filtration. The structure property relationship of the nanocomposite membrane has been thoroughly evaluated by the morphological, surface area, and contact angle measurement studies. The modified surface of MWCNTs by Ag nanoparticles and polar functional groups placed on the pores of the membrane was thus further exposed for interfacial interaction with the decontaminated and disinfected water, which in turn enhances the efficiency of filtration