Optimization of hollow ZIF-8/GO composite imprinted membrane synthesis by polyphenol etching technique and study of its selective separation performance for ribavirin

In this study, modified hollow e-ZIF-8 nanoparticles with a hollow structure and hydroxyl-rich surface were ingeniously synthesized through a one-step etching method, thereby increasing the contact area and addressing the issue of stacking imprinting sites, fundamentally enhancing selectivity. Among these, the hollow structure of the e-ZIF-8 nanoparticles not only increased the interlayer spacing of the graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets, providing additional pathways for water molecules, but also, through π-π interactions, cross-linked the phenol-modified nanoporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with the GO nanosheets, significantly enhancing the structural stability and anti-fouling capability of the composite membrane. The effects of different e-ZIF-8 addition amounts on membrane flux and hydrophilicity were investigated, constructing a GO-based imprinting structure on the stacked e-ZIF-8/GO nanosheet surfaces, offering a novel strategy to improve the selectivity and stability of the membrane. The maximum adsorption capacity of e-MG-IMs reached 38.35 mg g −1 , demonstrating good selective separation factors ( α RBV/ACV  = 3.24, α RBV/AZT = 2.41 and α RBV/LAM  = 4.21), as well as excellent permeation selectivity ( β ACV/RBV  = 4.75, β AZT/RBV  = 4.42 and β LAM/RBV  = 5.92). In this study, the optimized regulation of GO nanosheets extended the molecular transport channels, facilitating the construction of more molecular recognition sites, thus positively impacting the separation performance of the imprinting membrane.