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.