Silver nanoparticle-decorated reduced graphene oxide/ nanocrystalline titanium metal-organic frameworks composite membranes with enhanced nanofiltration performance and photocatalytic ability

Nanofiltration (NF) has garnered significant attention for removing persistent dyes from industrial wastewater. However, limited membrane separation efficiency and performance deterioration due to membrane fouling are the primary challenges hindering the broader application of NF technology. Herein, we developed high-performance silver nanoparticle-coated reduced graphene oxide/nanocrystalline MIL125(Ti) composite NF membranes (nAg-rGO/n-MIL), which feature self-cleaning capabilities through photocatalytic activity. This was achieved by intercalating nanocrystalline MIL-125(Ti) (n-MIL) metal-organic frameworks between graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets, followed by reducing the GO nanosheets and decorating them with silver nanoparticles (nAg) via UV exposure. The nAg-rGO/n-MIL demonstrated high water permeability (21.7 LMH/bar) and achieved excellent removal efficiencies for targeting dyes with relatively small molecular weights ranging from 300 to 500 Da. Additionally, when operated in an NF system equipped with a UV side-emitting optical fiber, the nAg-rGO/n-MIL exhibited significantly reduced water flux decline and enhanced removal efficiencies, achieving up to 97.5 % for methylene blue. Moreover, the nAg-rGO/n-MIL demonstrated high durability under the tested operating conditions, indicating its potential for long-term use in industrial applications. The GO composite membrane, with nanosized MOF-intercalated nanochannels and photocatalytic activity via nAg decoration and GO reduction, offers a promising solution to performance limitations and fouling issues in current nanofiltration membranes. • GO/n-MIL membranes were fabricated using pressure- or vacuum-assisted filtration. • Pressure-assisted filtration aligned GO nanochannels, enhancing membrane performance. • AgNO 3 dipping with UV treatment reduced GO layers and coated them with nAg. • The nAg-rGO/n-MIL membrane showed excellent water permeability and dye rejection. • The nAg-rGO/n-MIL exhibited stability and self-cleaning with UV-side emitting optic fiber.