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Abstract

A composite membrane material is provided comprising an active membrane including chitosan complexed with an anionic surfactant, and porous substrate membrane including a hydrophobic polymer. The active membrane is physically adhered to the porous substrate membrane. The active membrane and the porous substrate define an interface, wherein the porous substrate membrane includes an interfacial surface disposed at the interface, and wherein the hydrophobic polymer of the porous substrate membrane is disposed at the interfacial surface. The chitosan is bonded to the anionic surfactant. The porous substrate membrane is characterized by no more than 0.3% water absorption according to ASTM-D570. The hydrophobic polymer includes any of polysulfone, polyetherimide, polyvinylidene fluoride, or polystyrene. The anionic surfactant is a non-linear, branched chain surfactant. The anionic surfactant includes any one of sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium laurate, sodium stearate, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, and amphoteric sodium N-lauroyl sarcosinate. The composite membrane is formed by a method comprising the steps of (i) providing a porous substrate membrane including a hydrophobic polymer, (ii) casting a solution comprising chitosan complexed with an anionic surfactant on a surface of the porous substrate membrane to form a first intermediate; and (iii) drying the first intermediate to form the composite membrane.

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First Claim