<p>In this study, novel <a>mixed
matrix polyethersulfone (PES) membranes</a> were synthesized by using two
different kinds of metal organic frameworks (MOFs), namely UiO-66 and UiO-66-NH<sub>2</sub>.
The composite membranes were characterised by SEM, EDX, FTIR, PXRD, water
contact angle, porosity, pore size, etc. Membrane performance was investigated
by water permeation flux, flux recovery ratio, fouling resistance and
anti-fouling performance. The stability test was also conducted for the prepared
mixed matrix membranes. A higher reduction in the water contact angle was observed
after adding both MOFs to the PES and sulfonated PES membranes compared to
pristine PES membranes. An enhancement in membrane performance was observed by
embedding the MOF into PES membrane matrix, which may be attributed to the
super-hydrophilic porous structure of UiO-66-NH<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles and
hydrophilic structure of UiO-66 nanoparticles that could accelerate the
exchange rate between solvent and non-solvent during the phase inversion
process. By adding the MOFs into PES matrix, the flux recovery ratio was
increased greatly (more than 99% for most mixed matrix membranes). The mixed
matrix membranes showed higher resistance to protein adsorption compared to
pristine PES membranes. After immersing the membranes in water for 3 months, 6
months and 12 months, both MOFs were stable and retained their structure. This
study indicates that UiO-66 and UiO-66-NH<sub>2</sub> are great candidates for
designing long-term stable mixed matrix membranes with higher anti-fouling
performance.</p>
Polysulfone/silica nanoparticle mixed-matrix membranes for gas separation
