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Evaluating the performance of the metal organic framework-based ultrafiltration membrane for nanoplastics removal
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Researchers created an advanced membrane filter using metal-organic framework nanoparticles that removed over 99% of nanoplastics from water while maintaining high water flow rates. The membrane resisted fouling and worked reliably across multiple cycles and different water conditions. This type of technology could improve wastewater treatment plants' ability to prevent nanoplastics from reaching drinking water supplies.
Nanoplastics (NPs) have emerged as pollutants with detrimental impacts on human and aquatic health. While commercial ultrafiltration (UF) membranes in wastewater treatment plants can effectively remove NPs, their hydrophobic nature limits water permeability and leads to membrane fouling. Herein, we fabricated polyethersulfone (PES)/polyamide (PA) UF composite membranes using the MIL-101(Cr)-based metal–organic frameworks (MOF) nanoparticles for the removal of two types of NPs (polyethylene and polystyrene) from synthetic wastewater. Results show that the presence of more water channels in MOF particles shortened the pathways for water molecules, thereby increasing water permeability by 22 % over the pure PES/PA membranes. An optimal dosage of 0.2 w/v% achieved a high-water permeability of 1204 L/m2/h/bar and over 99 % removal of both NPs in a crossflow filtration system. The high removal efficiency is due to the electrostatic repulsion between negatively charged membrane surface and NPs, coupled with a sieving mechanism. Furthermore, the flux recovery ratio of over 98 % up to six cycles facilitated by quick wetting of the hydrophilic membrane surface and decreased foulant adsorption, confirms the reusability of the membrane. Additionally, the stability of PA/PES-based composite membranes with evenly distributed nanoparticles with various pH ranges (2–10) also inhibits nanoparticle leaching. Therefore, the findings highlight the potential of MOF-based composite UF membranes in effectively removing NPs from wastewater and achieving high water permeability.
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Fabrication of dual-charged MOF-based ultrafiltration membrane to remove charged nanoplastics from wastewater
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Researchers developed a new type of water filter membrane that can remove over 99% of nanoplastics from wastewater while maintaining high water flow. The membrane uses metal-organic framework nanoparticles that repel plastic particles through electrical charges and physical filtering. This technology could help prevent nanoplastics, which are too small for conventional filters, from reaching drinking water sources.
Performance of MOF-containing active layer and HOF-based support layer of ultrafiltration membrane for nanoplastics removal from secondary effluent
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Researchers built a novel ultrafiltration membrane using two advanced porous framework materials to filter nanoplastics out of real wastewater treatment plant effluent, successfully identifying and removing poly(methyl methacrylate), polyethylene, and polystyrene nanoparticles. The work addresses a critical gap because conventional wastewater treatment does not reliably remove nanoplastics before treated water is discharged.
Harnessing the power of metal-organic frameworks to develop microplastic fouling resistant forward osmosis membranes
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Microplastics are increasingly showing up in our water supplies, and current wastewater treatment methods struggle to filter them out efficiently. Scientists developed an improved water-filtering membrane using a special material that boosted water flow by 90% while resisting clogging from microplastics and other particles, meaning treatment plants could one day remove these tiny pollutants from water more effectively and for longer periods before needing replacement. This matters because reducing microplastics in our water systems could help limit our exposure to these particles, which have been linked to potential health concerns as they build up in the environment and food chain.
Dual metal-organic framework composite – Polyethersulfone hybrid hollow fiber membranes for effective elimination of microplastics and toxic contaminants from wastewater via ultrafiltration
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Scientists developed a new water-filtering material that can remove up to 97% of microplastics, along with toxic dyes and heavy metals like lead and mercury, from contaminated water. This matters because current water treatment methods often struggle to catch these tiny plastic particles and pollutants, which can build up in our bodies over time; this new filter could offer a cheaper, more effective way to clean drinking water and protect public health.
Nanoplastics Removal from Water using Metal–Organic Framework: Investigation of Adsorption Mechanisms, Kinetics, and Effective Environmental Parameters
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Researchers developed a metal-organic framework material that can remove 96% of nanoplastics from water through an adsorption process. The material works by attracting the negatively charged nanoplastic particles to its surface through electrostatic forces and can be regenerated for repeated use. This technology could provide a practical solution for removing the tiniest and most dangerous plastic particles from drinking water.
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