Synergistic Breakthroughs in Seawater Desalination: Zirconium-Based MOF/PVC-PVA Composite Membranes for Unprecedented Performance

Abstract In this study, we employed the electrospinning technique to fabricate advanced composite membranes comprised of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) enriched with post-metallated metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), specifically UiO-66(COOH)2-Ag and ZIF-8-Ag. The innovative utilization of electrospinning resulted in the formation of highly stable PVC/MOFs-Ag membrane composites, which were systematically characterized through various analytical methods, including scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, porosity analysis, and water contact angle measurement. The outcomes affirmed the successful incorporation of MOF crystals within the nanofibrous PVC membranes. Distinct morphological features were observed in the obtained composites, with larger fiber diameters noted for 5% and 10% MOF loadings and a reduced diameter for 20% loading. Moreover, the composites exhibited increased average pore sizes compared to traditional PVC membranes across the majority of MOF loading percentages. Antibacterial properties of the fabricated membranes were systematically investigated at varying MOFs-Ag loadings. The results demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, reaching up to 95%, against both Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria as the MOFs-Ag loading increased, maintaining a consistent silver concentration. This suggests a contact-based inhibition mechanism. The findings of this research hold paramount importance for the development of novel, stable, and highly effective antibacterial materials. These materials could serve as superior alternatives for face masks and be integrated into various applications requiring regular decontamination, including potential deployment in advanced water filtration systems.