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Influence of Ultrasonication on the Properties of Hybrid Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile and Silver Nanoparticles Fibers and Their Potential Use in Water Decontamination

Abstract:

The fabrication of hybrid polymer-based membranes with nanoparticles (NPs) has drawn great attention because they combine the intrinsic NPs properties with those from the polymer fibers to enhance the performance of the final membrane. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most used. In this work, it is reported an approach to fabricate hybrid polyacrylonitrile (PAN) electrospun fibers decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). We evaluate the influence of ultrasonication on the structure and properties of the fibers. Nanoparticles and nanocomposites were characterized by Rheology, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Electron Microscopy. The nanoparticle diameters and distribution assessment were elucidated via electron microscopy analysis and demonstrate the efficiency of sonication during fibers processing. PAN/AgNPs composite fiber membranes were evaluated to filtrate microorganisms in natural hydric sources. The results show that PAN/AgNPs composite membranes inhibit Gram-negative and fungi microorganisms but showed less efficacy for Gram-positive bacteria.