Water purification via interfacially polymerized thin film composite membranes

Abstract Water scarcity has intensified the demand for efficient desalination technologies, making membrane engineering a crucial research focus. A novel type of thin film composite nanofiltration membrane was developed by doping exfoliated molybdenum disulfide nanosheets as fillers within polysulfone and thin film composite membranes. Thin film composite membranes were achieved by interfacial polymerization using m ‐phenylenediamine and trimesoyl chloride monomers. Exfoliated molybdenum disulfide nanosheets were finely dispersed in a polysulfone matrix as observed by optical microscopy. The synergistic integration of molybdenum disulfide nanosheets with the polyamide layer led to improved hydrophilicity, porosity and mechanical strength, promoting rapid water transport. The optimized membrane containing 1.5 wt% molybdenum disulfide achieved a pure water flux of 118 L m −2 h −1 and salt rejection of 40.1% (NaCl) and 64.4% (MgSO₄), compared with 70 L m −2 h −1 , 19.9% and 32.6% for pristine polysulfone. These results highlight the potential of 2D‐material engineering for high‐efficiency water purification. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.