Mussel-Inspired Surface Functionalization of AEM for Simultaneously Improved Monovalent Anion Selectivity and Antibacterial Property

A facile membrane surface modification process for improving permselectivity and antimicrobial property was proposed. A polydopamine (PDA) coating was firstly fabricated on pristine anion exchange membrane (AEM), followed by in situ reduction of Ag without adding any extra reductant. Finally, 2,5-diaminobenzene sulfonic acid (DSA) was grafted onto PDA layer via Michael addition reaction. The as-prepared AEM exhibited improved permselectivity (from 0.60 to 1.43) and effective inhibition of bacterial growth. In addition, the result of the long-term (90-h continuous electrodialysis) test expressed the excellent durability of the modified layer on membrane surface, because the concentration of Cl(−) and SO(4)(2−) in diluted chamber fluctuated ~0.024 and 0.030 mol·L(−1) with no distinct decline. The method described in this work makes the full use of multifunctional PDA layer (polymer-like coating, in situ reduction and post-organic reaction), and a rational design of functional AEM was established for better practical application.