Phase-transitioned lysozyme-mediated fabrication of zeolitic imidazole framework-8 hybrid membrane with enhanced separation and antifouling properties

Abstract

Metal-organic framework (MOF)-based membranes have been considered a promising candidate for the separation membrane due to their high porosity and controlled pore structure. However, the fabrication of a robust MOF-based membrane is commonly subject to the limitations of MOF particle agglomeration and interface defects. Herein, we propose a facile and effective approach for the preparation of a robust zeolite imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8)/protein hybrid membrane by introducing a phase-transited lysozyme (PTL) layer to mediate the growth of ZIF-8. The PTL layer was self-assembly on the ultrafiltration membrane and then ZIF-8 was in-situ growth to form a uniform ZIF-8/PTL hybrid layer. The prepared ZIF-8/PTL membrane possessed water permeance up to 39.5 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 and high rejections (>99.0%) for heavy metal ions. Furthermore, the fabricated ZIF-8/PTL hybrid membrane was verified to have excellent antimicrobial activity and antifouling performance. These results indicate that as a simple and robust approach, PTL modification can be employed to construct new interfaces for mediating MOF growth, and the prepared MOF-based membranes have great potential for water treatment.