Sustainable nanofiltration membranes enable ultrafast water purification
Junhui Huang, Mu Yuan, Yanqiu Zhang, Jing Guo, Luqiao Feng, Shan Shan Qiu, Cher Hon Lau, Lu Shao, Huanting Wang
Abstract
Abstract Nanofiltration membranes with confined nanopores are vital for energy-efficient molecular and ionic sieving towards sustainable ecosystems. However, the production of contemporary nanofiltration membranes still relies on hazardous petrochemical-based chemicals, raising serious water contamination concerns and complicating after-usage disposal. This phenomenon contradicts the sustainability of membranes derived from green chemistry principles, emphasizing not only their eco-friendly application but also their preparation and end of life. Here we report the synthesis of a sustainable nanofiltration membrane (SNFM) with superior performance for water treatment and an inherent natural soil degradation mechanism through a safer approach utilizing integrated low-hazard chemicals. Experiments and simulations confirmed that our SNFM can be fabricated in an environmentally friendly manner and decomposed by natural soil microorganisms, contributing to its distinctive eco-friendliness. Notably, the SNFM demonstrated both exceptional water permeance and molecular and ionic sieving capability, outperforming commercial and state-of-the-art membranes. This approach establishes a new paradigm for next-generation water recycling and sustainable chemical processes.