MOF-801 and polydopamine dual-modified PAN nanofiber membranes for simultaneous removal of multiple antibiotic classes from environmental water

The extensive use of antibiotics has led to the co-occurrence of multiple antibiotic classes in environmental water, necessitating efficient removal strategies. In this study, MOF-801@polydopamine@polyacrylonitrile nanofiber membranes (MOF-801@PDA@PAN NFMs) were synthesized via thermally initiated polymerization and layer-by-layer self-assembly for the simultaneous adsorption of 32 antibiotics from six major categories. Theoretical and experimental analyses confirmed rapid adsorption (within 10 min) through electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, π-π interactions, and metal complexation. The membranes achieved removal efficiencies ranging from 39.22% to 98.83% and followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. Regeneration tests demonstrated stable performance over 15 reuse cycles. Compared to existing methods, these membranes offer broader-spectrum removal, higher efficiency, faster kinetics, and reduced adsorbent dosage. Additionally, they operate without pH or ionic strength adjustments and eliminate the need for post-treatment separation, highlighting their practical potential for environmental remediation. These findings offer a promising platform for scalable, cost-effective treatment of antibiotic-contaminated water.