Fabrication of novel polyethersulfone (PES) photocatalytic membranes with excellent permeability and antifouling properties using TiO2–AgBr–Ag–SBA-15 nanofillers for cefixime removal

This study aimed to enhance the permeability and antifouling properties of the polymer membrane of polyethersulfone (PES) through the modification with TiO₂–AgBr–Ag–SBA-15. The hydrothermal process is used to create silica nanoparticles (SBA-15), which involved the use of tetraethylorthosilicate as a precursor and a copolymer Pluronic P123 (as a mold and the structure maintainer after solvent exiting). Then, SBA-15 nanoparticles are added to the preparation solution of TiO₂–AgBr–Ag, resulting doping nanoparticles (TiO₂–AgBr–Ag–SBA-15) were incorporated into the casting solution to achieve weight percentages of 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 in the final membranes. The nanoparticles were characterized using FESEM, FT-IR, XRD, XPS and EDX. Meanwhile, the membrane properties were studied using FESEM, FT-IR, CA, AFM and membrane performance tests. The hybrid membranes exhibited a less hydrophobic surface, which consequently resulted in water permeability. Moreover, the antifouling properties were notably improved, resulting in a considerable improvement in permeability without compromising the membrane's ability to remove unwanted substances. At 3.5 bar pressure, the pure water flux of the 0.8 wt% PES/TiO₂–AgBr–Ag–SBA-15 membrane was two times higher than that of the pristine membrane. Flux recovery rate of 1 wt% PES/TiO₂–AgBr–Ag–SBA-15 membrane can reach 90%, and the antifouling performance is excellent.