Bio-synthesis of molecularly imprinted membrane with photo-regeneration availability for selective separation applications

Since the in-depth exploration of molecularly imprinted membranes (MIMs), compatibility between high selectivity and superior regeneration has been always the focus. Here we propose, based on biomimetic self-polymerization of dopamine, highly specific, self-cleaning, and interfacial-stable g-C₃N₄/Ag₃PO₄/PDA-composited molecularly imprinted membranes (C/A/D-MIMs) for enhanced treatment of fit-for-purpose water. Ciprofloxacin (CFX) was selected as a representative target because of its potential toxic effect on the microorganism, which will inevitably weaken the traditional biological-based water treatment. Besides superior antifouling performance, remarkable permselectivity (β_NFX/CFX = 1.65, β_EFX/CFX = 1.90, and β_OFX/CFX = 2.08) and flux regeneration rate (84.4% after photo-regeneration) could be ascribed to (i) effective formation of molecularly imprinted sites by self-polymerization of dopamine, (ii) synergism of polydopamine in constructing Z-scheme heterojunction configuration, as well as (iii) bio-adhesion of polydopamine in coupling photocatalyst and MIMs. Achievements in the present work will promote the development of highly specific and self-cleaning MIMs with considerable stability and applications in specific and selective separation.