Abstract
Zinc-based metal–organic frameworks (Zn-MOFs) are currently extensively investigated as nanofiller1 materials for polymeric membranes owing to their strong potential for integration with polymers, high porosity, high surface area, and adaptable pore functionalities. Therefore, the development of Zn-MOF-based nanocomposite ultrafiltration membranes for water treatment is progressing. In this study, synthesized Zn-MOF nanoparticles were incorporated into a poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoro-propylene) (PVDF-co-HFP) polymer casting solution to fabricate Zn-MOF/PVDF-co-HFP nanocomposite ultrafiltration membranes via the phase-inversion method. An advanced technique was used to characterize the surface characteristics, morphology, and chemical composition of nanocomposite membranes. Compared to the pristine PVDF-co-HFP membrane, the Zn-MOF/PVDF-co-HFP nanocomposite membranes exhibited better surface characteristics. The obtained results demonstrate that the presence of Zn-MOF nanoparticles on the membranes considerably enhanced their surface charge (zeta potential of − 62 eV), hydrophilicity (contact angle of 71°), porosity, water content, and thermal stability. Moreover, the resultant Zn-MOF/PVDF-co-HFP nanocomposite membranes exhibited noticeably enhanced water permeability (up to 158 L/m2 h bar), which was two times greater than that of the pristine PVDF-co-HFP membrane, whereas the bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection of the nanocomposite membrane remained high (99%) without compromising the flux. The Zn-MOF/PVDF-co-HFP nanocomposite membrane had the highest flux recovery ratio (FRR) value (99%) and the lowest irreversible flux decline ratio (IFDR) value (0.3%). The developed membrane also exhibited excellent antifouling performance. This study highlights the significant potential of Zn-MOF nanoparticles in the development of nanocomposite ultrafiltration membranes and provides a conceptual model for incorporating other nanoparticles into the design of ultrafiltration membranes for water treatment.
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The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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The authors extend their appreciation to the Deputyship for Research & Innovation, Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia, for funding this research work through the project no. (IFKSUOR3-387-1).
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Alhoshan, M., Shukla, A.K. & Alam, J. Preparation of Zn–Metal Organic Framework–Based Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoro-propylene) Ultrafiltration Membrane with Improved Antifouling Properties. Water Air Soil Pollut 234, 448 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-023-06455-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-023-06455-w