Molecular hybridization enhanced polyamide nanofiltration membranes for antibiotic desalination

Antibiotic desalination is a critical process for isolating and purifying target compounds, ensuring their stability and therapeutic efficacy. However, the efficiency and scalability of conventional nanofiltration membranes are often limited by the trade-off between permeability and selectivity. In this study, a molecular hybridization strategy is employed, combining 1,4,7,10 tetraazacyclododecane (Cyclen) with piperazine (PIP) to react with trimesoyl chloride (TMC). This approach aims to create a looser polyamide structure and enhance performances in antibiotic desalination. The results demonstrate that the modified membranes achieve a water permeance of 25.2 L m⁻² h⁻¹ bar⁻¹, nearly twice that of the control membrane (12.2 L m⁻² h⁻¹ bar⁻¹). Additionally, the modified membranes exhibit a NaCl/tetracycline selectivity of 58.8, along with exceptional performance in consecutive concentration experiments, where tetracycline concentration increases by 4.65-fold, significantly exceeding that of the control membrane (by 1.43-fold). The proposed modification strategy demonstrates significant potential for advancing nanofiltration membrane performance in antibiotic desalination, offering a viable pathway to overcome existing limitations and enhancing scalability for industrial implementation.