Recyclable and selective PVDF-based multifunctional molecular imprinted membranes for the removal of Bisphenol A

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been widely detected in environmental and human products and has significant health and environmental impacts. Consequently, an innovative molecularly imprinted membrane was fabricated for the selective adsorption of BPA within water environment. Tannic acid (TA), abundant in plants, was employed to effectuate the reduction of AgNO3 in an environmentally friendly, and gentle manner, imbuing the membrane with antibacterial properties. A functional hydrophilic layer was created utilizing TA and polyimide (PEI), and mild and efficient imprinting was accomplished through dopamine (DA) self-polymerization. Compared with the blank membrane, the contact angle of the molecularly imprinted membranes (PVDF@Ag@P@MIMs) was reduced to 67.62°, and the optimal adsorption capacity was 33.41 mg g−1. The imprinting factor of the PVDF@Ag@P@MIMs membrane was 2.90, indicating that the membrane could effectively separate BPA. After 6 cycles of utilization, the adsorption loss was only 4.55 %. In addition, the synthesis of PVDF@Ag@P@MIMs is simple and free of pollutants. The experimental results and green synthesis process of the molecularly imprinted membranes indicate that these materials have potential applications in environmental protection, selective separation, chemical industry, and other fields.