Zeolite imidazolate framework hybrid nanofiltration (NF) membranes with enhanced permselectivity for dye removal

The developments of metal organic framework (MOF)/polymer hybrid membranes are hampered by the problems of MOF particles agglomeration and harsh synthetic conditions of MOFs. In this paper, we provide a facile and simple route for fabrication of a uniform MOF/polymer hybrid membrane via the combination of self-assembly and interfacial reaction method. The positive charged polyethyleneimine (PEI) molecules and zinc ions were first deposited on the negative charged hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile (HPAN) substrate via electrostatic attraction (self-assembly), and then zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) particles were in-situ formed in a polyethyleneimine (PEI) layer via interfacial reaction, thereby forming a thin and uniform ZIF-8/PEI hybrid membrane. The prepared membrane possessed a rejection of 99.6% for methyl blue aqueous solutions, with permeance up to 33.0 L m−2 h−1 bar−1. These results suggested that the ZIF-8/PEI hybrid NF membrane, which was prepared under facile conditions without any complex post-treatment, can be a promising candidate for dye removal process.