Preparation Of Mixed Matrix Membranes Research Articles

One-pot in situ synthesis of ZIF particles to prepare thin-film nanocomposite membranes for CO2 separation

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) are more likely to break the Robeson upper bound because they combine the pros of both organic and inorganic membranes. However, in the conventional MMM preparation processes, multi-steps are normally needed and, in many cases, the particle agglomeration and consequent non-selective voids are unavoidable, resulting in poor carbon dioxide (CO2) separation performances. In addition, the agglomeration makes it challenging to fabricate thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes. In this study, zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-8- and ZIF-67-based TFN membranes were fabricated via a facile one-pot in situ synthesis protocol. The ZIF particles were synthesized in the polymeric solution, then the TFN membranes were fabricated by a dip coating method. With a casting solution concentration of 1.5 wt.%, a selective layer with a thickness of ∼300 nm can be prepared on the porous polyacrylonitrile (PAN) support. The results of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that ZIFs were successfully synthesized in the casting solution. At 35 °C and 2 bar, the membrane containing 5 wt.% ZIF-67 had a CO2 permeance of 223.35 gas permeation unit (GPU), which was 16.55 % higher than that of pure Pebax.

Metal-Organic-Frameworks Based Mixed-Matrix Membranes for CO2 Separation: An Applicable-Conceptual Approach.

A promising class of porous crystalline materials, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), have recently emerged as a potential material in fabricating mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for gas separation applications. Their unique chemistry and structural versatility offer substantial advantages over conventional fillers. This review gives an in-depth exploration of MOF chemistry, focusing on strategies to manipulate their adsorption behavior to enhance separation properties. We scrutinize the impact of various MOF-based MMM components, including polymer matrix, MOFs fillers and polymer/filler interface, on the overall gas separation performance. This involves a detailed analysis of key parameters associated with MMM preparation. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive overview of the determining factors in MOF-based MMM development for gas separation, including MOF structure, synthesis, and chemistry. Moreover, the most advances in modification strategies of MOF for CO2 separation, such as a wide variety of hybrid MOFs will be outlined, which opens the door to an improved CO2 separation process. Finally, the gas transport mechanisms of MMMs are thoroughly discussed to understand the factors affecting the gas permeation through the polymer matrix, MOFs and interface between them.

Conversion of SOD zeolite into type I porous liquid and preparation of mixed matrix membrane with AO-PIM for efficient gas separation

Low-silica SOD zeolites are among the most promising inorganic materials for mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). However, the gas separation performance is severely hindered by the non-selective voids formed by both the zeolite and polymer membranes, as well as the rigid layer. In this work, SOD-liquid-M2070 PL type I porous liquid was synthesized and subsequently filled into an Amidoxime-functionalized polymer of intrinsic microporosity (AO-PIM) to prepare MMMs. The fillers and MMMs were characterized using FTIR, SEM, TGA, XRD, and gas permeation techniques. SOD-liquid-M2070 PL facilitates the rapid diffusion of CO2 and H2 gas molecules for efficient gas separation. The liquid-like fluidity of SOD-liquid-M2070 PL improves the formation of non-selective pores in the SOD and polymer matrix membranes to enhance gas permeability and selectivity. The CO2, H2 permeability and CO2/N2, H2/N2 selectivity of MMMs composed of 5 wt% SOD-liquid-M2070 PL with optimal filling ratio were increased by 248%, 246%, and 173%, 222%, respectively, compared with pure membranes. It exceeds the 2008 Robeson limit for H2/N2 and approaches much closer to the 2019 Robeson limit for CO2/N2. The field of green environment presents a promising development prospect for low silica SOD zeolite, which exhibits high separation efficiency.

Tailoring the separation performance of a carbon nanotube-based mixed matrix membrane decorated with metal–organic framework

Synthesis of mixed matrix membranes (MMM) using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has shown great prospects for achieving excellent selective separation because of its special structure. Nevertheless, the preparation of highly selective MMM faces challenges, which is attributed to the obstacles encountered by CNTs dispersion in polymer matrix and elimination of interface defects. A novel CNT-based composite decorated with metal–organic framework (MOF) was synthesized and applied to the preparation of MMM. MOF was post modified, and then carboxyl groups were inserted on the outer surface of CNTs. The synthetic MMM (Cu-MOF-en@MWCNT) not only has selective adsorption on dyes, but also has selective photodegradation on dyes. The method of using CNTs to wrap the outside of MOF has great potential in dye separation. The performance of MMM was further improved by decorating MOF on the filler to improve the selectivity to the designated dye.

Enhancing dispersibility of nanofiller via polymer-modification for preparation of mixed matrix membrane with high CO2 separation performance

Mixed matrix membrane (MMM) is now emerging as a viable and promising option for industrial separation processes due to its combination of the benefits of polymers and porous nanofillers. However, the aggregation of nanofillers at high concentrations hinders the development of MMM. Here, we introduce a simple polymeric surface post-modification method by covalently bonding polyvinylamine (PVAm) to prepare polymer-modified Schiff base network-1 (SNW-1) called SNW-P. Adjusting the post-modification time improved the dispersibility of SNW-P. Compared to SNW-1, MMMs with SNW-P4H as nanofiller achieved a significantly high CO2 permeance of 3092 GPU as well as the CO2/N2 selectivity of 184 at the feed gas pressure of 0.2 MPa, which obviously surpasses the current limit enumerated by 2019. Additionally, for CO2/CH4 and CO2/H2 separation, the optimized membrane also exhibits excellent CO2 permeance. With low-cost raw materials and superior properties, the membrane created in our research has good potential for large-scale applications.

Rapid Fabrication of High‐Permeability Mixed Matrix Membranes at Mild Condition for CO2 Capture (Small 19/2023)

Gas Separation Membranes In article number 2208177, Ming-Jie Yin, Quan-Fu An, and co-workers propose a “confined swelling coupled solvent controlled crystallization” strategy to rapid preparation of mixed matrix membrane for CO2 capture. The fabricated membrane exhibits 4-fold enhancement in CO2 permeability, benefiting from the high ZIF-8 loading creating additional speedy mass transfer channel for gas transport.

Preparation of mixed matrix membrane with high efficiency SO2 separation performance by photosensitive modification and enhanced adsorption of metal–organic framework

Preparation of mixed matrix membrane with high efficiency SO2 separation performance by photosensitive modification and enhanced adsorption of metal–organic framework

Preparation of mixed matrix membranes by layered double hydroxides of amino acid intercalation and Pebax for ameliorated CO2 separation

CO2 capture, storage and utilization has been acknowledged as an important strategy for climate change mitigation. 2D materials have great advantages in gas separation due to their high aspect ratio and nano-sized thickness, such as LDH with tunable interlayer ions. In this work, 12-Aminododecanoic acid was incorporated as an intercalator between MgAl LDH layers and used as filler for the preparation of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). Amino and carboxyl groups in amino acids could be used to enhance the performance of CO2 gas separation by quadrupole moment effect and increasing the layer spacing. The XRD pattern showed an increase in the layer spacing, while the characteristic peaks of amino and carboxyl groups were observed in the FTIR pattern and the initial characteristic peaks did not disappear, indicating that the amino acids were successfully intercalated into the LDH layer. The experimental results indicated that MMMs with 5 wt% 12AA-LDH achieved CO2 permeability of 92.57 Barrer and CO2/N2 selectivity of 50.8, which increasing by 125 % and 17 %, compared to pristine Pebax membranes. It could be observed that 2D materials can be used in gas separation by cross-linking and intercalation to preparing high performance separation membranes.

A new route for ZIF-8 synthesis and its application in MMM preparation for toluene removal from water using PV process

Pervaporation (PV) is one of the most effective methods for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The application of hydrophobic membrane in PV is of significant industrial value. This study used a novel method to synthesis hydrophobic zeolitic nanoparticles (ZIF-8) and incorporate them into the polymer matrix (PEBA). The prepared mixed matrix membranes (MMM) were characterized by various techniques (FTIR, FESEM, XRD, AFM, contact angle, TGA, and DSC) and utilized for toluene/water separation in a PV process. The operational findings in terms of separation factor, total permeate flux, component flux, and PSI value were studied for nanocomposites with different filler content (5–25 wt%) at different feed concentrations and temperatures. The best separation performance was achieved for MMM with 15% ZIF-8 at 30 °C and 300 ppm. The total flux enhanced from 302 to 343 gm2h compared to the neat membrane. In this condition, separation factor, and PSI value were obtained as 446, and 153120 gm2h, respectively. Incorporating of 15% hydrophobic ZIF-8 significantly improved separation factor, and PSI value by 904, and 1065%, respectively, compared to the pure membrane.

Graphene Oxide-Carbon Nanotube (GO-CNT) Hybrid Mixed Matrix Membrane for Pervaporative Dehydration of Ethanol.

The pervaporation process is an energy-conservative and environmentally sustainable way for dehydration studies. It efficiently separates close boiling point and azeotrope mixtures unlike the distillation process. The separation of ethanol and water is challenging as ethanol and water form an azeotrope at 95.6 wt.% of ethanol. In the last few decades, various polymers have been used as candidates in membrane preparation for pervaporation (PV) application, which are currently used in the preparation of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for ethanol recovery and ethanol dehydration but have not been able to achieve an enhanced performance both in terms of flux and selectivity. Composite membranes comprising of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) incorporated with carboxylated carbon nanotubes (CNT-COOH), graphene oxide (GO) and GO-CNT-COOH mixtures were fabricated for the dehydration of ethanol by pervaporation (PV). The membranes were characterized with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Raman spectroscopy, Raman imaging, contact angle measurement, and water sorption to determine the effects of various nanocarbons on the intermolecular interactions, surface hydrophilicity, and degrees of swelling. The effects of feed water concentration and temperature on the dehydration performance were investigated. The incorporation of nanocarbons led to an increase in the permeation flux and separation factor. At a feed water concentration of 10 wt.%, a permeation flux of 0.87 kg/m2.h and a separation factor of 523 were achieved at 23 °C using a PVA-GO-CNT-COOH hybrid membrane.

Study on the recycling of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks and polymer Pebax® 1657 from their mixed matrix membranes applied to CO2 capture

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) consisting of fillers (e.g. metal organic frameworks (MOFs)) in polymer matrix are considered as an interesting alternative for capturing post combustion CO2 towards a sustainable development. This research is focused on the recycling of MMMs made of polymer Pebax® 1657 and MOF ZIF-94. Upon MMM preparation, characterization and testing, MMMs were dissolved to recover polymer and MOFs separately. Recovered products were characterized by SEM, EDX, FTIR, TGA, XRD, DLS, mass spectrometry and N2 adsorption to compare their size, shape and other properties with those of fresh ones. Mean particle size of fresh and recycled ZIF-94 were 148 ± 44 nm and 164 ± 32 nm, respectively. Incorporation of recycled ZIF-94 in MMMs produced defect free membranes which was confirmed by SEM and gas separation measurements. These MMMs, with a 10 wt% ZIF-94 loading, were tested for the separation of the CO2/N2 mixture with a CO2 permeability of 157 ± 6.5 Barrer (with 67 % improvement compared to fresh pure polymer membrane with 94 ± 2 Barrer) and a CO2/N2 selectivity of 27.5 ± 1.4 (5 % lower than that of the fresh MMM, 29.3 ± 1.8, but 20 % higher than the corresponding to the pure polymer membrane, 23 ± 2). Demonstrating its wide feasibility, the proposed methodology was also applicable for recycling of ZIF-8 from Pebax® 1657 based MMMs.

Engineering CAU-10-H in the preparation of mixed matrix membranes for gas separation

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly compatible with polymers and can be used to create mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for gas separation. Herein, we engineered the particle size as well as the number of missing linkers in CAU-10-H MOFs via either applying the plasma treatment (CAU-10-H_Plasma) or varying the water/N,N-dimethylformamide (H2O/DMF) co-solvent ratios (CAU-10-H_Micro and CAU-10-H_Nano). The CAU-10-H_Nano showed the largest number of missing linkers, but the lowest adsorption uptake of CO2 and CH4 albeit the largest BET surface area. In contrast, both CAU-10-H_Plasma and CAU-10-H_Micro exhibited relatively high adsorption uptakes of CO2 and CH4. In addition, all the MMMs fabricated using 6FDA-mPDA:DABA (3:2) exhibited a good interaction between Al2+ metal ions of CAU-10-H and carboxylic groups of 6FDA-mPDA:DABA (3:2). Importantly, the 6FDA-mPDA:DABA (3:2)/CAU-10-H_Plasma (75/25 w/w) MMM exhibited more attractive selectivities of CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4 (e.g., 68 and 184, respectively) compared to those of the other two MMMs under single-gas conditions. It also showed the highest CO2/CH4 selectivity of 67 under equimolar CO2/CH4 mixed-gas conditions. As CAU-10-H_Plasma possessed the lowest quantity of defective sites among the three CAU-10-H samples, our results suggest that suppressing defective sites in MOFs could be an effective approach for enhancing the CO2 separation efficiency.

An approach to removing COD and BOD based on polycarbonate mixed matrix membranes that contain hydrous manganese oxide and silver nanoparticles: A novel application of artificial neural network based simulation in MATLAB

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of novel ultrafiltration and mixed matrix membrane (MMM) composed of hydrous manganese oxide (HMO) and silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) for the removal of biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). In the polycarbonate (PC) MMM, the weight percent of HMO and Ag-NP has been increased from 5% to 10%. A neural network (ANN) was used in this study to compare PC-HMO and Ag-NP. MMM was evaluated in combination with HMO and Ag-NP loadings in order to assess their effects on pure water flux, mean pore size, porosity, and efficacy in removing BOD and COD. HMO and Ag-NPs can decrease membrane porosity in the casting solution while increasing mean pore size. According to the study's findings, the artificial neural network model appears to be highly appropriate for predicting the removal of BOD and COD. To develop a successful model, a suitable input dataset was selected, which consisted of BOD and COD. An ideal model architecture for MMM was proposed based on an optimal number of hidden layers (2 layers) and neurons (5–8 neurons). Experiments and predicted data show a strong correlation between the developed models. BOD was predicted with an excellent R2 and a low root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.99 and 0.05%, respectively, while COD was predicted with an excellent R2 and a low RMSE of 0.99 and 0.09%, respectively. Based on the results, Ag-NP was found to be an excellent candidate for the preparation of MMMs as well as convenient for the removal of BOD and COD from polluted water sources.

Porous silica nanosheets in PIM-1 membranes for CO2 separation

PIM-1-based freestanding mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) and thin film nanocomposites (TFNs) were prepared by incorporating porous silica nanosheets (SN) and exfoliated SN (E-SN) derived from natural vermiculite (Verm) in the PIM-1 polymer matrix. In addition, SN were functionalized by sulfonic acid and amine groups (S-SN and N-SN, respectively) and were also used as fillers for the preparation of MMMs. The gas separation performance was evaluated using CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 (1:1, v:v) binary gas mixtures. Among freestanding membranes, fresh ones (i.e. tested right after preparation) containing 0.05 wt% functionalized SN and E-SN outperformed the neat PIM-1, surpassing the 2008 Robeson upper bound. At the same filler concentration, fresh MMMs with sulfonic acid-functionalized SN (S-SN) exhibited 40% higher CO2 permeability, 20% higher CO2/N2 selectivity and almost the same CO2/CH4 selectivity as neat PIM-1 membranes. Moreover, after 150 days of aging, these membranes were capable of maintaining up to 68% of their initial CO2 permeability (compared to 37% for neat PIM-1). When prepared as TFN membranes, the incorporation of 0.05 wt% of S-SN led to 35% higher initial CO2 permeance and five times higher CO2 permeance after 28 days.

Pebax-based membrane filled with photo-responsive Azo@NH2-MIL-53 nanoparticles for efficient SO2/N2 separation

The preparation of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) using metal–organic framework (MOF) as fillers is one of the simple and effective methods to improve the gas permeability and selectivity of membranes, and it has an attractive prospect to achieve controllable gas separation process. Herein, NH2-MIL-53 nanoparticles are synthesized by hydrothermal method and modified by aminoazobenzene (Azo) by decompression loading technology. The multifunctional Azo@NH2-MIL-53 nanoparticles are incorporated into the Pebax matrix to fabricate MMMs for efficient and controllable SO2 separation. Pebax/Azo@NH2-MIL-53–20% membrane exhibits the maximum SO2 permeability of 2570 Barrer with a SO2/N2 selectivity of 717 and the separation process of SO2/N2 has dynamic photo-responsive characteristics under different light conditions, which is attributed to the incorporation of the Azo@NH2-MIL-53. First, the NH2-MIL-53 nanoparticles with high specific surface area of 637 m2.g−1 and pore size of 1.50 nm are introduced into MMMs to construct rich SO2 transport channels, increasing the diffusivity selectivity. Second, the inherent –NH2 groups and introduced -N = N- groups in Azo@NH2-MIL-53 increase the affinity of SO2, enhancing the solubility selectivity. Third, by artificially changing the light conditions to accurately control the conformation of Azo and the pore structure of NH2-MIL-53 is changed, which significantly changes the SO2 adsorption capacity of NH2-MIL-53. Due to light is available in abundance in the form of sunlight, the mixed matrix membrane coupled with photo-responsive MOF can achieve more efficient and energy-saving gas separation process.

Functional charcoal based nanomaterial with excellent colloidal property for fabrication of polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane with improved flux and fouling resistance

In this work, charcoal based nanomaterial (charcoal-NM) with two-dimensional structure, high oxygen and nitrogen content (functional groups) and excellent colloidal dispersion property was synthesized and used to prepare ultrafiltration polyethersulfone (PES) mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs), via phase-inversion method. The charcoal-NM can be dispersed in water and organic solvents without sonication and its colloidal dispersion shows high stability for a long time. The influences of the charcoal-NM on morphology, antifouling behavior, pure water flux (PWF) and hydrophilicity of the fabricated MMMs were studied, and the optimum membrane was selected. Antifouling investigations were done by Bovine serum albumin (BSA) as fouling agent. It was found that incorporation of the charcoal-NM into the PES matrix causes formation of channels with vertical alignment in the membrane structure and enhancing the membrane hydrophilicity and therefore leads to improved flux recovery ratio (FRR), PWF and antifouling properties of the MMMs. The fabricated MMM with 0.6 wt% charcoal-NM was selected as the optimal membrane (with PWF of 410.16 LMH, FRR of 95.43% and BSA rejection of 95.89%). This work showed that the charcoal-NM with low cost and excellent dispersion property can be used as an effective nanofiller for MMMs preparation for environmental applications.

MOF/Polymer Mixed-Matrix Membranes Preparation: Effect of Main Synthesis Parameters on CO2/CH4 Separation Performance.

Design and preparation of mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) with minimum defects and high performance for desired gas separations is still challenging as it depends on a variety of MMM synthesis parameters. In this study, 6FDA-DAM:DABA based MMMs using MOF-808 as filler were prepared to examine the impact of multiple variables on the preparation process of MMMs, including variation in polymer concentration, filler loading, volume of solution cast per membrane area, solvent type used and solvent evaporation rate, and to identify their impact on the CO2/CH4 separation performance of these membranes. Solvent evaporation rate proved to be the most critical synthesis parameter, directly influencing the performance and visual appearance of the membranes. Although less dominantly influencing the MMM performance, polymer concentration and solution volume also had an important role via control over the casting solution viscosity, particle agglomeration, and particle settling rate. Among all solvents studied, MMMs prepared with chloroform led to the best performance for this polymer-filler system. Chloroform-based MMMs containing 10 and 30 wt.% MOF-808 showed 73% and 62% increase in CO2 permeability, respectively, without a decrease in separation factor compared to unfilled membranes. The results indicate that enhanced gas separation performance of MMMs strongly depends on the cumulative effect of various synthesis parameters rather than individual impact, thus requiring a system-specific design and optimization.

Surfactant-mediated and wet-impregnation approaches for modification of ZIF-8 nanocrystals: Mixed matrix membranes for CO2/CH4 separation

ZIF-8 nanocrystals were synthesized in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, as a cationic surfactant, (ZIF-8@CTAB) and then modified by iron promoter (ZIF-8@Fe-CTAB) through a wet impregnation process. Self-assembly of surfactant in the synthesis route changed morphology of ZIF-8 nanocrystals from rhombic dodecahedron (RD) to truncated rhombic dodecahedron (TRD). The structural modifications significantly changed the adsorption properties of the nanocrystals for CO 2 and CH 4 , so that ZIF-8@Fe-CTAB nanocrystals provided the highest CO 2 /CH 4 adsorption selectivity ( ∼ 19) compared to values have ever been reported in the literature. The nanocrystals were also employed for preparation of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) using Matrimid®5218 as the polymeric matrix. Investigation of gas transport properties of the MMMs confirmed promising separation performance of ZIF-8@Fe-CTAB nanocrystals for CO 2 /CH 4 separation. • Surfactant mediated approach was used to synthesize ZIF-8@CTAB nanocrystals. • ZIF-8@CTAB nanocrystals were impregnated by FeCl 3 ·6H 2 O as a metal promoter. • CO 2 /CH 4 selectivity of the impregnated nanocrystals significantly increased. • The MMMs prepared by ZIF-8@Fe-CTAB showed promising separation performance.

Mixed matrix membranes with highly dispersed MOF nanoparticles for improved gas separation

• IPD is used to modify ZIF-8 nanoparticles by a simple coordination interaction. • IPD@ZIF-8 nanoparticles exhibit excellent dispersity in various solvents. • H 2 /CH 4 selectivity of PI/IPD@ZIF-8 MMM with 45 wt% loading is increased by 46.6%. • The CO 2 plasticization resistance of PI/IPD@ZIF-8 MMMs is improved from 21 to 30 bar. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are ideal fillers for preparing mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) because of their molecular sieving property. However, MOF nanoparticles are not easy to be dispersed, which limits their application in MMMs with high MOFs loading. In this study, highly dispersed ZIF-8 nanoparticles with diameter of around 50 nm were prepared by coating isophthalic dihydrazide (IPD) molecular layer onto their surfaces via coordination interaction (abbre. IPD@ZIF-8). Benefiting from the highly stable and highly dispersed IPD@ZIF-8 solution, MMMs with high nanoparticles loading content and excellent uniformity are achieved. The modification of IPD on the surface of ZIF-8 nanoparticles greatly enhances the interfacial affinity between ZIF-8 as filler and 6FDA-Durene polyimide (PI) as polymer matrix under the interaction of strong hydrogen bond between them. Gas permeation results reveal that the H 2 permeability of IPD@ZIF-8 mixed PI (PI/IPD@ZIF-8) MMM with 45 wt% loading content is up to 8000 Barrer and the corresponding ideal selectivities of H 2 /CH 4 and H 2 /N 2 gas pairs are 15.1 and 13.0, which increase by 46.6% and 32.7%, respectively, comparing to those of ZIF-8 mixed PI (PI/ZIF-8) MMMs. The comprehensive separation performance of PI/IPD@ZIF-8 MMMs surpasses the 2008 Robeson’s upper bounds. The surface modification of IPD enhances the CO 2 plasticization resistance property of PI/IPD@ZIF-8 MMMs from 21 bar to 30 bar. This study provides a facile and easy-operated strategy for the surface modification of MOF nanoparticles, and opens up a new way for the preparation of MMMs with high filler loading and good quality.

Preparation of mixed matrix membranes made up of polysulfone and MIL-53(Al) nanoparticles as promising membranes for separation of aqueous dye solutions

• A mixed matrix membrane was fabricated via the addition of MIL-53 (Al) into the Polysulfone membrane. • Different compositions of the membranes were prepared via an asymmetric structure. • The membranes contained a dense layer and an open cellular spongy morphology. • The prepared membranes showed a significant dye rejection performance. Polysulfone-MIL-53(Al) mixed matrix membranes were fabricated by using the VIPS-NIPS technique, in which 1,4-Dioxane was used as the co-solvent. MIL-53(Al) nanoparticles were used in this study owing to their small pore sizes, high hydrophilicity and superior water stability. Hence, different membrane compositions with various MIL-53(Al) contents were prepared so that a membrane with superior performance for dye rejection application and high flux can be achieved. The performance of the fabricated membranes was investigated for rejection of various dyes in aqueous solutions including Reactive Red (RR), Direct Yellow (DY), Methyl Green (MG), and Crystal Violet (CV), based on which a great separation performance (dye rejections of 99.8, 99.5, 99.2, 98.8 and 97.1 for RR, MG, DY, CV and MB, respectively) and an excellent water flux (4.8 L/m 2 .h.bar) were provided by the membrane containing 0.06 wt% MIL-53(Al).