Functionalized polyamide membranes yield suppression of biofilm and planktonic bacteria while retaining flux and selectivity

Biofouling is a major challenge for desalination, water treatment, and water reuse applications using polymer-based membranes. Two classes of novel silver-based metal azolate frameworks (MAF) are proposed to decorate polyamide (PA) forward osmosis membranes and to improve numerous aspects of fouling and transport. Membranes functionalized with two concentrations of each MAF are compared with a pristine control material, with results that clearly...