Molecularly Imprinted PDMS/MIL@MITpBD Mixed Matrix Membranes for β-Damascone Separation

β-damascone (β-DC) has low content in nature and poor thermal stability, so conventional separation methods suffer from low separation efficiency. Pervaporation membrane separation has garnered significant interest owing to its green and energy-saving advantages. However, the design of membranes for efficient β-DC separation remains a challenge. In this study, surface molecularly imprinted material, MIL@MITpBD, was fabricated by in situ growth of a TpBD-OH-ECOEA shell on MIL-101-NH2 via keto-enamine condensation, during which (E)-3-(4-chlorobenzoyl)acrylic acid (ECOEA), matching β-DC in steric dimensions, was immobilized in the TpBD-OH shell as a dummy template by hydrogen bonding. After ECOEA removal, MIL@MITpBD with selective imprinted cavities was obtained. The imprinted MIL@MITpBD was then incorporated into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer matrix to fabricate mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for β-DC separation. Separation performance evaluation revealed a total flux (J) of 587 g m−2 h−1 and a separation factor (ββ-DC/H2O) of 353.2 at 50 °C with a feed concentration of 100 ppm, which was attributed to the synergistic effect of the selective recognition of imprinted MIL@MITpBD and abundant hydrogen-bonding sites. Furthermore, during a 168 h continuous operation test, the membrane maintained 593.8 g m−2 h−1J and 341 ββ-DC/H2O, evidencing good long-term operational stability. This study provides an effective strategy for the design of pervaporation membranes for trace organic compounds.