Postfunctionalization of PAN Membranes via UV-Grafting of Charged and Zwitterionic Polymer Brushes.

ABSTRACT: Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) membranes are widely used for water purification, but their susceptibility to fouling limits efficiency and lifespan. In this study, a sustainable and efficient UV-grafting process was employed to modify PAN membranes. Cationic and zwitterionic vinylbenzene- and methacrylate-based monomers, including ammonium, ammonium alcohol, N-oxide, carboxybetaine, sulfobetaine, and phosphobetaine groups, were used to graft polymers from the membrane surface using photoinitiators such as phenylbis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (BAPO) and lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP). The modified membranes were characterized using FTIR, SEM-EDX, AFM, ζ potential analysis, permeability testing, molecular weight cutoff measurements, dye adsorption assays,

SUBMITTER: Friedrich T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12810372 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature