Efficient co-removal of protein and dyes via hybrid ultrafiltration membranes based on carboxy-modified polyaryletherketone

Wastewater purification is a crucial yet challenging and energy-intensive process in the industry production. Ultrafiltration membranes are promising candidates for fulfilling the demands of complex wastewater separations. In this work, the incorporation of amino-functionalized UiO-66 (UiO-66-NH2) into the PEK-COOH matrix was achieved through a non-solvent-induced phase separation technology to prepare a series of mixed matrix ultrafiltration membranes with excellent anti-fouling, rejection rate and water flux. For the mixed matrix ultrafiltration membrane, the UiO-66-NH2 could effectively adjust surface charge, hydrophilicity, and pore structures in membrane materials. The mixed matrix ultrafiltration membranes with 2 % of UiO-66-NH2 loading (M-2 %) showed the highest water flux of 454.5 L h−1m−2 due to the synergistic regulation of pore structures and surface hydrophilicity. At the same time, M-2 % also showed an impressive organic dyes separation performance owning to adjustable surface charge. Therefore, the incorporation of appropriate MOFs into the ultrafiltration membrane can effectively regulate the pore structures, surface hydrophilicity and surface charge, enhancing the performance of mixed matrix ultrafiltration membranes for wastewater purification.