The electrospray ionization (ESI) method was used for deposition of thin films of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) on Cu/ZSM-5 (5 wt.% Cu) and Ag–Cu/ZSM-5 (1 wt.% Ag and 4 wt.% Cu) composites. For comparative purposes, the ZSM-5 zeolite was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and loaded with PAA under the same treating conditions as the composites. This method allowed the formation of uniform polymer films of controlled thickness on conductive substrates. The structural characteristics were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The deposited PAA layer over ZSM-5 acts as a common dispersing and stabilizing agent through coordination-driven guest-templated polymer via interaction of Ag⁺ and Cu²⁺ with carboxylic acid groups, thus increasing and controlling the adhesion and the release of metallic species. A short exposure to light and temperature has reduced the metal ions to Cu⁰ and Ag⁰ metallic nanoparticles. The results of XRD analysis let suggest that the interaction of Cu and Ag with carboxylic groups of PAA inhibits the formation of large metallic silver particles. These samples were being studied for their potential as antibacterial agents toward the bacterial strains such as Staphylococcus pneumonia, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, respectively. Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans as Fungi were also evaluated. The Cu/ZSM-5 and Ag–Cu/ZSM-5 nanocomposites coated with a 10 nm thick PAA layer exhibit significant antibacterial activity.

The necessity for efficient water treatment methods has led the research community to turn to hybrid technologies that combine individual advantages optimally for a greater final result. Membranes are vital to water purification technologies due to their natural barrier and filtration capabilities. On the other hand, green catalytic technologies such as photocatalysis and electrocatalysis have attracted increased attention for water purification applications due to a multitude of advantages. Therefore, the combination of catalytic and membrane technologies is the natural next step. This review focuses on several aspects of this hybrid technology: several promising materials are presented, the fabrication methods and challenges for the successful integration of the two technologies are examined, and the mechanisms for micropollutant removal are detailed. Finally, future perspectives are offered concerning these hybrid technologies. This review aims to shed light on this promising trend of membrane-based photocatalytic/electrocatalytic systems and their potential for efficient water treatment.

Hybrid oligomers composed of polyurethane methacrylate (PUMA) and polyurethane acrylate (PUA) were synthesized by poly addition polymerization of polypropylene glycol (PPG 1000), 2,4- and 2,6-toluen diisocyanate (TDI 80/20) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate or 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate. Isopropanol was served as the isocyanate blocking agent. The grafting of either PUMA or PUA oligomers to the vinyl acetate monomer was implemented for the first time for improving the properties of the produced PU-co-VAc or (PUP_MA or PUP_A) terpolymers as new binders for emulsion coating formulations. The synthesized terpolymers were characterized with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), minimum film forming temperature (MFFT), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Zeta potential and mechanical properties. It has been shown that properties of the terpolymers and their corresponding films were greatly influenced by the grafting of PUMA and PUA at a low concentration level (5 wt%). Cured films of PU based vinyl acetate (PUP_MA or PUP_A) exhibited higher thermal stability and less weight loss compared to the vinyl acetate copolymer (PVAC). The synthesized PUP_MA and PUP_A terpolymers revealed enhanced efficiency as binders for emulsion paints in comparison to the PVAC copolymer. The terpolymers composed of poly (vinyl acetate-co-butyl acrylate-co-PU) emulsions have excellent properties and high enhancements in emulsion paints as waterborne binders.