Metal-organic framework integrated surface-engineered polyelectrolyte membranes enhancing tetrahydrofuran dehydration

Background Enhancing composite membrane performance is crucial for industrial separation processes. Integrating metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into membranes offers a promising strategy. We introduce a novel approach by integrating HKUST-1 MOF within a polyelectrolyte matrix to improve membrane efficiency. Methods A layer-by-layer self-assembly technique on a hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile support integrates HKUST-1 into a polyelectrolyte matrix. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) form the polyelectrolyte layer through electrostatic interactions. The incorporation of HKUST-1 within the PEI matrix enhances separation efficiency, particularly in tetrahydrofuran dehydration, with optimal conditions using 100 ppm of HKUST-1 and forming 2 bilayers. Significant findings Under optimal conditions, the resulting membrane exhibits exceptional performance. It demonstrates a permeation flux of 1442.30 g∙m−2∙h−1, a water concentration in the permeate of 98.0 wt%, and a separation factor of 440. The modified membrane also shows remarkable stability across varying temperatures (25–55 °C) and tetrahydrofuran concentrations in the feed (10–90 wt%) during long-term testing. These findings highlight the membrane's potential for enhancing separation processes in the chemical industry.