Synthesis and characterization of novel water soluble derivative of Chitosan as an additive for polysulfone ultrafiltration membrane

Abstract

A novel water soluble Chitosan derivative N-propylphosphonic Chitosan (NPPCS) having a terminal phosphonic acid group was synthesized by reacting Chitosan with Hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) and propylphosphonic anhydride (T3P) via one pot reaction. The novel derivative was characterized by 1H NMR, Attenuated Total Reflectance Infra Red (ATR-IR) spectroscopy and XRD. Due to insolubility of NPPCS in organic solvents, a new process was demonstrated for blending of NPPCS with Polysulfone. The proper blending of NPPCS with Polysulfone was confirmed by ATR-IR spectroscopy. The improved hydrophilicity of PSf/NPPCS membranes was confirmed by contact angle measurement. The permeation studies showed increased flux of PSf/NPPCS membranes as compared to the pristine Polysulfone membrane. The antifouling property of PSf/NPPCS membrane was determined by Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) protein rejection studies. The membranes showed the enhanced antifouling property as compared to pristine Polysulfone membranes with a maximum of 74% flux recovery ratio (FRR) value. 2013 Elsevier B.V.