Hollow Fiber Mixed Matrix Membranes Engineered Via the Combination of “Anionic Crosslinking and In-Situ Biomineralization” for Deep Dye Separation

Abstract

In this study, hollow fiber mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) were prepared by fabricating a hybrid separation layer on hollow fiber membranes outer surface through the combination of “anionic crosslinking and in-situ biomineralization”. The relationship between anions (molecular weight, Mw and functionality, f) and the compactness of separation layers were analysed. The mode of in-situ biomineralization on surface, the formation and evolution of the hybrid layers were discussed. Using the strategy of anionic crosslinking and in-situ biomineralization, the compactness and filtration accuracy could be effectively enhanced, and the hydrophilicity of membrane surface was greatly improved. Low Mw dyes, such as methyl orange (327 g mol−1, 99.6%) and methylene blue (319 g mol−1, 99.2%), can be rejected precisely while maintaining a high flux (around 21.9 L m–2 h–1 bar–1). In addition, owing to the better acid resistance of the hybrid separation layer and the good adhesion between the separation layer and substrate owing to chemical bonds, the membrane exhibited excellent chemical stability, long-term separation stability, and anti-fouling capacity. This study provides facile method for building separation layers with hybrid structures on hollow fiber membranes and a novel idea for designing MMMs to separate dyes from water.

Keywords: Hollow fiber mixed matrix membrane, Anionic cross-linking, In-situ biomineralization, Dye separation, Anti-fouling