Dual metal-organic framework composite – Polyethersulfone hybrid hollow fiber membranes for effective elimination of microplastics and toxic contaminants from wastewater via ultrafiltration

Abstract The rapid industrialisation, urbanisation, and population growth have led to hazardous pollutants contaminating aquatic environments with microplastics (MPs), dyes, and heavy metals, producing ecological problems and public health risks that require efficient advanced water purification approaches. Traditional treatment methods are often expensive, inefficient, and prone to secondary pollution, highlighting the need for innovative membrane-based treatments. This research work designed an innovative Polyethersulfone (PES) hollow fiber membrane (HFM) embedded with a metal organic framework composite for superior wastewater purification. The successful preparation of ZIF-8@NH 2 -MIL-125 (Ti) composite and its synergistic interaction were confirmed by comprehensive physicochemical characterisations. The innovative fabrication of HFM was examined by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Contact Angle Measurement, Atomic Force Microscopy, a Universal Testing Machine, and Membrane Zeta Potential analysis. Membrane performance evaluation demonstrated in terms of Pure Water Flux (PWF), Anti-Fouling studies, and Rejection efficiency. Whereas, PWF increased from 90.49 L·m −2 ·h −1 for the pristine membrane (ZM-O) to 159.07 L·m −2 ·h −1 for the optimized membrane (ZM-2), with rejection efficiencies rose from 36.30% to 97% for P(St-co-MMA) MPs, 67.66% to 99.5% for Crystal Violet, 77% to 86% for Reactive Orange 16, 65.4% and 93.16% for Pb 2+ and 57.9% and 98.42% for Hg 2+ , respectively. These research findings demonstrate an innovative and sustainable solution for the advanced treatment of water contaminated with a wide range of pollutants, including MPs, dyes, and heavy metals. Further development could enable scaling for industrial use, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals of clean water access.