The desulfurization property of conventional mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) cannot meet the necessary demand due to particles aggregation and interface defects. Here, we put forward a layer-by-layer (LBL) approach to make a novel PEG@ZIF-8/poly­(vinylidene difluoride)­(PVDF) composite membrane for pervaporation desulfurization. In this way, a ZIF-8 layer is covered on the surface of the PVDF porous membrane via an in situ growth method. Then, a PEG layer is covered on the ZIF-8 layer by a casting method. Compared with pristine PEG membranes, the separation performance of the ZIF-8@PEG/PVDF nanocomposite membrane increased significantly. This can be attributed to the homogeneous ZIF-8 particle layer and better compatibility between the poly­(ethylene glycol) (PEG) matrix and ZIF-8 particles. The membrane achieves a maximum total flux of 3.08 kg·m–2·h–1 at the third in situ growth cycles of ZIF-8 particles and a maximum sulfur enrichment factor of 7.6 at the sixth in situ growth cycles of ZIF-8 particles.

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