Polyethylene Oxide doped with Nano Cobalt Cerium Dioxide Nanocomposite as an antimicrobial surface*

  In this work, we propose an innovative idea by using doping method in doping a polymeric surface with nano cobalt cerium dioxide (CeO₂:Co) forming a multifunctional polymeric nanocomposite complex. This new nanocomposites will serve as an antimicrobial surface because CeO₂:Co nanoparticles behave as antimicrobial and antifungal agents. The successfully prepared doped polymeric nanocomposite can be used as a standalone antimicrobial surface to coat surfaces in hospitals and other institutions free of disinfection chemicals such as chlorine. The polymeric nanocomposite surface will be modeled, simulated, prepared, and characterized based on advanced experimental investigation techniques such as FTIR, SEM, and EDX. Moreover, the controlled doping of the polymeric surface with nano cobalt cerium dioxide (CeO₂:Co) ensures a higher density of the antimicrobial and antifungal particles on the membrane surface. Moreover, the doping leads to a proper and efficient chemical interaction between nanoparticles and polyamide matrix. Therefore, the nanoparticles cannot easily leach out during the cleaning process.