A. Colon, L. Castro Jiménez, M. Torres Maldonado, J. Avalos, B.R. Weiner, G. Morell and R. Ríos
University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras,
Puerto Rico
Keywords: Diamond, Drinking Water, Membrane Filtration, Nano, Water quality
Summary:
Water filtration have emerged as a critical technology to reduce waterborne diseases caused by poor water quality. It presents key challenges such as membrane selectivity, permeability, and biofouling. Nanomaterials can offer solutions to these challenges by varying the membranes’ mechanical and bactericidal properties. This research uses Nano diamond nanoparticles with facile surface functionality and biocompatibility properties and are added into membranes used for filtration treatments. Scanning and electron transmission microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transmission IR (FTIR) techniques were performed to study the membrane surface. Tensile strength test was done to measure its mechanical properties and Coliscan membrane filtration characterization was performed to obtain fecal coliforms forming units on filtered samples and microorganism reduction significance was obtained using t-test analysis at a 95% level of confidence. FTIR spectra confirms an increase of oxygen functional groups into the UDDs surface when acid treatment was performed, SEM images showed particles deagglomeration of functionalized UDD at the membrane surface. UDD embedded membranes exhibited a significant bactericidal reduction compared to commercial membranes suggesting these membranes have the potential to enhance and improve current water membrane filtration systems.