Probing the influence of shape and loading of CeO2 nanoparticles on the separation performance of thin-film nanocomposite membranes with an interlayer

•Three shapes of CeO2 nanoparticles including sphere, rod and flake were used to fabricate the interlayer of TFN membranes.•The rodlike CeO2 nanoparticles tended to form a homogeneous network-like interlayer due to the large specific surface area and good dispersion.•The morphologies of the PA layer could be changed between nodule and ridge-valley structure with the change of the shape and loading of CeO2 nanoparticles.•The introduction of interlayer made PA layer coarser, the pore size smaller and the distribution more uniform.•The permeability of TFN membrane was increased due to the “gutter” effect.