Porous MOFs-based self-assembled membrane with specific rebinding nanocages for selective recognition and separation at molecular level

We present the design and fabrication of high-performance molecularly imprinted membranes (MIMs) using a UiO-66@PDA framework with densely imprinted sites for the targeted adsorption of artemisinin (ATSN). UiO-66@PDA was synthesized by modifying polydopamine with metal-organic frame (MOF) that contain Zr(IV) ions. The unique UiO-66@PDA structure exhibits an excellent specific surface area and strong binding abilities towards ATSN due to the abundant phenolic, quinone, and amino functional groups. The addition of SiO2 nanoparticles further enhanced the stability of the hybrid membrane during the adsorption process, and the preparation of inorganic-organic hybrid membranes (k-SUPCP-IMs) involves the use of a click chemistry-based imprinted polymer that takes advantage of the heterogeneous structure of the material. This process highlights the importance of different building blocks and functional reactions in controlling the morphology and porosity of porous organic polymers. The results showed satisfactory rebinding ability (40.07 mg g−1) and superselective (βATMT/ATSN = 7.87, βDDTM/ATSN = 8.26, βATST/ATSN = 6.40). It was noteworthy that the unique electrostatic interaction between SiO2 and the imprinted molecules provides optimal conditions for the formation of high-affinity binding sites, thereinto, the creation of additional active sites played a critical role in improving the sensitivity of MIMs.