High-Throughput Zwitterion-Modified MoS2 Membranes: Preparation and Application in Dye Desalination

Although loose nanofiltration membranes have been extensively studied for dye desalination, high-throughput membranes with antifouling and antibacterial properties are still highly needed. In this study, a zwitterion-modified molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) dual-layer loose nanofiltration membrane was prepared with the integration of antibacterial, antifouling, and high-flux properties. To be specific, MoS2 nanosheets were loaded on a polyacrylonitrile ultrafiltration membrane through pressure-assisted self-assembly. Then, poly (sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) was coated on the surface of the MoS2 membrane via a simple polydopamine (PDA)-assisted one-step codeposition to prepare PSBMA/PDA/MoS2 nanofiltration membranes. Elemental and morphological analyses confirmed the formation of the MoS2 layer and PSBMA/PDA coating. In addition, the effect of the PSBMA amount and codeposition time on surface properties and membrane performances was investigated. Under optimum conditions, the as-prepared membrane showed excellent water permeance of 262 LMH/bar with good dye rejection (99.8% for methylene blue) and salt permeability, as well as excellent antifouling and antibacterial properties benefiting from the synergy of PSBMA/PDA coating layers and MoS2 layers.

Automated summary

In this study, a zwitterion-modified molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) dual-layer loose nanofiltration membrane was prepared with antibacterial, antifouling, and high-flux properties integrated. The membrane demonstrated excellent water permeance, dye rejection, salt permeability, antifouling, and antibacterial properties under optimal conditions, benefiting from the synergy of PSBMA/PDA coating layers and MoS2 layers.