MOF-derived Co3O4/g-C3N4 membrane with synergistic Photo-Fenton-like effect: Overcoming the reactivity-permeability trade-off for high-performance water purification

This study presents a novel Co 3 O 4 /g-C 3 N 4 functionalized ceramic membrane (Co-CN-M) for emerging contaminants removal by integrating visible-light photocatalysis and peroxymonosulfate oxidation. The membrane was fabricated via in-situ growth of ZIF-67 on g-C 3 N 4 -modified substrates followed by calcination. The Co-CN-M overcomes the conventional trade-off between reactivity and permeability, simultaneously achieving outstanding degradation efficiency ( k  = 0.24 min −1 for bisphenol A) and ultrahigh water flux (724 L·m −2 ·h −1 ·bar −1 ). This exceptional performance stems from: (1) the p-n heterojunction at g-C 3 N 4 /Co 3 O 4 interface that enhances charge transfer and Co 2+ /Co 3+ cycling, promoting h + /O 2 ·− -dominated degradation; and (2) a unique honeycomb morphology that facilitates mass transfer via enhanced surface properties and internal nanochannels. Application viability was also demonstrated by excellent antifouling and self-cleaning properties (>70 % flux recovery) and stable long-term (96 h) operation in surface water with minimal cobalt leaching (<0.007 mg·L −1 ). This work offers valuable insights into metal-organic framework (MOF)-based functional membrane fabrication for effective water purification.