Charge-Driven and Interfacial Interactions in MOF-801(Ce)/PVDF Nanocomposite Membranes for Pharmaceutical Removal

In this study, low-pressure nanofiltration-type polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite membranes were fabricated by incorporating MOF-801(Ce) nanoparticles via an eco-friendly nonsolvent induced phase separation (NIPS) method using fumaric acid and water as a solvent system. The Ce-based MOF displayed a uniform spherical morphology and a high specific surface area (792.81 m2 g–1), providing abundant active sites for pollutant capture. Incorporation of MOF-801(Ce) markedly enhanced the membrane hydrophilicity, achieving a porosity of 79.41%, water uptake of 76.19%, surface potential of −17.24 mV, and a reduced contact angle of 55.29°, leading to a high pure water permeability of 345 L m–2 h–1. The optimized membrane exhibited excellent selectivity toward pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs), with dopamine hydrochloride and diclofenac sodium removal efficiencies of ∼99% and ∼41%, respectively. Lewis acid–base and charge-assisted interactions between Ce4+ sites and amine groups governed the adsorption mechanism. Long-term filtration studies confirmed superior stability and regenerability, maintaining >80% flux recovery and consistent rejection efficiency over multiple operation–cleaning cycles. Thereby, the developed MOF-801(Ce)/PVDF hybrid membranes demonstrate a synergistic balance of permeability, selectivity, and durability, providing a sustainable and efficient platform for pharmaceutical pollutant removal and next-generation water purification technologies.