Interlayer-modulated glucose-based polyester nanofiltration membranes: Achieving high perm-selectivity and photocatalytic self-cleaning via Co/CFO@GO nanocomposites

Nanofiltration (NF) membranes face the persistent challenge of fouling, which severely curtails their operational lifespan and efficiency in water treatment. In this study, a novel photocatalytic composite polyester (PE) nanofiltration membrane was fabricated to address this bottleneck by integrating a Co-doped CuFe 2 O 4 @GO (Co/CFO@GO) interlayer with a glucose-based selective layer. Unlike traditional polyamide membranes, a green and cost-effective glucose monomer was utilized to react with trimesoyl chloride (TMC) via interfacial polymerization (IP), forming a robust cross-linked polyester network. The Co/CFO@GO interlayer not only modulated the diffusion kinetics of the aqueous monomer to optimize the membrane pore structure (mean pore size ~0.631 nm) but also endowed the membrane with advanced photocatalytic self-cleaning capabilities. Under simulated solar irradiation, the embedded catalyst facilitated the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), enabling the rapid mineralization of entrapped organic foulants (Rhodamine B, RhB). The resultant composite membrane demonstrated an excellent flux recovery ratio (FRR > 97%) after three fouling-cleaning cycles. Furthermore, the membrane exhibited exceptional stability during long-term continuous filtration tests. This work provides a sustainable paradigm for developing antifouling polyester NF membranes with in-situ self-cleaning functionality for complex wastewater remediation.