Fabrication of Ag Nanosheet@TiO2 Antibacterial Membranes for Inulin Purification

Two-dimensional Ag nanosheets show increased antibacterial ability in many cases. Herein, Ag nanosheets with a thickness of 1.5 nm were introduced into titania sol to fabricate Ag nanosheet@TiO2 antibacterial membranes. The prepared membrane possessed a molecular weight cutoff of 22,163 Da and a high permeance of 236 L/(m2 h bar). Furthermore, the membrane presented good separation performance in the filtration of inulin extract. The transmittance of inulin reached 95%, and the decolorization rate reached 65%. Benefitting from the antibacterial properties of the Ag nanosheets, the membrane not only maintained a high stable flux and a low flux decay rate but also had good antifouling and antibacterial properties for inulin purification. Thus, it is promising for inulin purification applications.