Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for dyes and antibiotics removal from wastewater using photo-Fenton catalysis MOFs as additives

Membrane fouling is one of the major challenges limiting the application of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) in various separation processes. To address this issue, we incorporated the photocatalyst NH 2 -MIL-88B(Fe) (NM88B) into a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix, creating a novel photocatalytic MMMs that can effectively degrade organic pollutants under light irradiation. This innovative approach endows the membrane with both enhanced permeability and separation selectivity, which is attributed to the hydrophilic groups of the photocatalyst, as well as significant photo-Fenton catalytic capability. The NM88B/PVDF membrane exhibits high permeability (546.4 L·m −2 ·h −1 ·bar −1 ) and excellent catalytic degradation of dyes (over 99 %) and antibiotics (over 90 %) due to the synergistic effects of membrane separation and the photo-Fenton process. After ten cycles of self-cleaning tests, the membrane maintained superior antifouling capacity and degradation performance. This study advances the development of MMMs by addressing the persistent issue of membrane fouling while enhancing pollutant removal efficiency.