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Electrospun nanofiber composite membranes containing water-stable metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) particles (Zr-based MOF-808) supported on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber synthesized via co-electrospinning have been prepared. MOF particles were dispersed in the organic polymer, and their subsequent presence was inferred by scanning electron microscopy. Membrane performance in heavy metal ion adsorption in batch filtration was evaluated on the basis of Cd and Zn ions sequestration. The adsorption capacities of the pristine MOF and the MOF composite membrane revealed that MOF particles in the membrane could be accessed for adsorption in the hydrophilic PAN membranes. The maximum adsorption capacities were 225.05 and 287.06 mg g for Cd and Zn, respectively. Conventional thermal activation of pristine MOF and composite membrane revealed a crystal downsizing, while "hydractivation" produced an expanded MOF with enhanced adsorption potentials. The PAN/MOF-808 "hydractivated" composite membrane could treat 580 mL of Cd, whereas the conventional vacuum-activated composite treated 464 mL. The high separation performance and reusability of the membranes and the outstanding water stability of the MOFs suggested the developed membrane as a potential candidate for water treatment.

The schematic illustration shows the influence of triethylamine (TEA) concentration on ZIF-8 formation.

Fe(iii) and Zr(iv) based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) were enmeshed in polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) electro-spun nanofibers to produce nanofibrous MOF membranes (NMOM).