Synthesis and application of MoS2 quantum dots-decorated ZnO nanoparticles for the fabrication of loose nanofiltration membranes with improved filtration, anti-fouling, and photocatalytic performance

MoS2 quantum dots (MoS2 QDs) have recently attracted extremely high consideration owing to their exclusive qualities related to both sheet-like structures and QDs. Doping MoS2 QDs with other semiconductors, such as ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), has provided superior synergistic effects on their performances. Herein, we constructed mixed matrix loose nanofiltration polyethersulfone (PES) membranes decorated with MoS2 QDs, ZnO NPs, and MoS2 [email protected] ZnO NPs (MNQs) separately, prepared by phase inversion method, for a comprehensive study of filtration, antifouling, and photocatalytic properties. Among all the prepared membranes, the MNQ0.5 membrane provides enhanced properties such as high permeation (15.46 ± 0.75 L/m.2 h. bar which is 11 times greater than control PES), significant rejection performance against Rhodamine B (Rh. B) (˃95 %), excellent photocatalytic activity (2.5 times greater than control PES), and outstanding anti-fouling features (FRR=93.14 %, reversible fouling ratios (Rr)= 39.17 %, irreversible fouling ratio (Rir)= 6.85 %, and total fouling ratio (Rt)= 46.02 %). Besides, the best anti-fouling performance was obtained by the MNQ0.5 membrane in comparison to that of the bare PES one, confirmed via BSA protein permeance.