MIL-88A/carbon quantum dots nanomaterials promote the photo-fenton reaction to enhance the fouling resistance of PVDF membrane

Herein, the MIL-88A/Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) was synthesized by a hydrothermal method, and the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane modified by the MIL-88A/CQDs was fabricated by vacuum-assisted suction filtration. Compared with the pristine membrane, MIL-88A/CQDs modified membrane based on collaborative photo-Fenton/filtration process shows better removal efficiency for methylene blue (MB), rifampicin (RIF), methyl orange (MO), and Rhodamine B (RhB). In addition, the anti-fouling properties of the modified membrane are significantly improved, and the flux recovery of the MIL-88A/CQDs modified membrane increased from 56% to 89%, and the irreversible fouling ratio (Rir) decreased from 44% to 11%. Significantly, the modified membrane contaminated by MB within 20 min can achieve self-cleaning through the photo-Fenton process. Finally, a possible membrane antifouling mechanism is proposed: superoxide radicals (•O2-) and hydroxy radicals (•OH) are the main active substances. CQDs accelerates the e− and h+ separation of MIL-88A and promotes the circulation of Fe substances. The fundamental research will present a promising strategy for improving antifouling properties of membrane.