Summary: | Polydopamine (PDA) membranes with a silver (Ag) coating were one of the best strategies for removing harmful material from wastewater and drinking watered due to their antibacterial and antifouling properties. This mini-review paper would identify recent studies with regard to the function of Ag as an additive to modify polymer membranes, especially PDA-modified membranes, for antibacterial and antifouling properties. The findings indicated that Ag can be used to modify PDA membranes, making them suitable for environmental applications as they offer great antibacterial and antifouling properties. It also gave a holistic review of the characteristics of different types of modified membranes that used Ag to enhance their antibacterial and antifouling properties. Initially, membrane surface properties had been outlined, as these properties affect the antifouling and antibacterial properties of the modified membrane. The improved hydrophilicity of the membrane surface is what has led to the smaller contact angle, which was achieved by adding Ag and also significantly increased the permeability of the water flux. The wettability of the modified membrane can also be improved by incorporating Ag-containing polymers, and this effect has been related to an increase in the hydrophilic surface area. As expected, increasing the Ag concentration improved its porosity and pore size. The presence of hydrophilic groups in the modified membrane boosted the membrane's hydrophilicity. In addition, the antibacterial characteristics of the Ag inhibited membrane fouling, particularly biofouling, by inhibiting the microorganism's development on the membrane's surface. Following that, this paper discusses recent studies on antifouling and antibacterial modified membranes with an Ag coating. These modified membranes with an Ag coating can help improve the effectiveness of filtration processes by keeping the membranes clear of blockages, thereby increasing their lifespan and decreasing downtime for maintenance and cleaning. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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