In-situ synthesis of CNT/UiO-66-NH₂-based molecularly imprinted nanocomposite membranes for selective recognition and separation of sulfamethoxazole: A synergistic promotion system

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) is a widespread organic contaminant that threatens the ecological environment and human health. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop an effective method for selective separation of SMX from the aquatic environments. Herein, a novel in-situ synthesis of CNT/UiO-66-NH₂ based molecularly imprinted nanocomposite membranes (CUMIMs) is designed for selective removal of SMX. The CNT/UiO-66-NH₂ nanocomposite is prepared through in-situ growth of MOFs in the presence of CNT. The CNT around the MOFs can effectively avoid the aggregation of CNT/UiO-66-NH₂ nanocomposite and introduce unique properties into the PVDF/PVA membrane, which simultaneously benefit in both hydrophilicity and water flux. More importantly, the well dispersed CNT/UiO-66-NH₂ nanocomposite with huge specific in the membrane can facilitate the selectivity toward SMX. The selective separation performance of CUMIMs is evaluated by static adsorption and permeselectivity experiments. The results showed that the synthesized CUMIMs afford an ideal rebinding selectivity (α_SMX/SMM = 2.01, α_SMX/TC = 4.34, and α_SMX/CIP = 4.65) and permselectivity factor (β = 2.15) toward SMX. The presented strategy on CUMIMs fabrication would potentially enrich the application of CNT/MOFs-based molecularly imprinted nanocomposite membrane in the field of contaminant separation.