Catalytic TFN membranes containing MOF loaded Ag NPs prepared by interfacial polymerization

Efficiency and sustainability of catalytic thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes are crucially important for the reverse-osmosis performance of thin film composite (TFC) membranes in many fields. Herein, Ag@UiO-66-NH 2 catalytic nanoparticles were fabricated and incorporated into the polyamide active layer through by covalent bond via the interfacial polymerization (IP) method. Polyamide TFN membranes with high efficiency, sustainable catalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB), and excellent self-cleaning performance were prepared conveniently. The 0.8 wt % Ag@UiO-66-NH 2 composite membrane has excellent permeability stability, and the flux recovery rate can reach 81.6% after 7 runs. In addition, the degradation rate of RhB can reach 99.6% by using this membrane. More importantly, the degradation efficiency of 250 mL RhB solution can still reach 94.5% after 7 cycles of catalytic test. The degradation effect of RhB by the TFN membranes was enhanced significantly owing to the synergistic effect of the adsorption and catalytic properties of Ag@UiO-66-NH 2 nanoparticles. Moreover, it provides a universal method for preparing TFN membrane with a catalytic active layer, which can be applied in other fields of catalytic film by replacing Ag NPs with other particles. • Polyamide TFN membrane containing Ag@UiO-66-NH 2 is prepared via interfacial polymerization method. • Ag@UiO-66-NH 2 nanoparticles are incorporated into the polyamide active layer through by covalent bond. • Catalyst powder Ag@UiO-66-NH 2 improves comprehensive performance of the polyamide TFN membrane. • Polyamide TFN membrane containing Ag@UiO-66-NH 2 exhibits excellent catalytic performance and cyclic stability.