Construction of PES membranes using NH2-MIL-125 and Pluronic F127 via RTIPS method toward elevated ultrafiltration, antifouling and self-cleaning performance

In this work, the NH2-MIL-125/F127/PES membranes with superior ultrafiltration, anti-fouling and self-cleaning were constructed via the RTIPS method. Characterizations showed the successful fabrication of NH2-MIL-125 with good photocatalysis activities, together with its stable anchoring in PES membrane. The loss of NH2-MIL-125 was suppressed by hydrogen bond between F127 and NH2-MIL-125, where hydrophilic F127 significantly boosted permeability and anti-fouling property. The permeability-selectivity trade-off effect was alleviated by NH2-MIL-125 with a regular size window. It was observed that the membranes prepared by the RTIPS method occurred a spongy-like cross-section and a porous surface, which imparted the membrane with improved ultrafiltration and mechanical properties over the finger-like cross-section and dense skin caused by the NIPS method. The optimal membranes exhibited decent permeability (1511 L/m2 h), BSA rejection rate (85.3%) and high COD removal rate over the commercial membranes, whose flux recovery rate was up to 76.91% after two cycles under light irradiation by the synergistic effect of F127 and NH2-MIL-125. The membrane fouled with RhB exhibited excellent regeneration properties benefiting from the holes (h+) and superoxide free radicals (•O2−), as well as reactive •OH. Overall, the membrane with F127 and NH2-MIL-125 presented a highly promising in improving ultrafiltration and self-cleaning via the RTIPS method.