High-performance thin film composite nanofiltration membranes with MoS2 nanosheet interlayer

High-performance polyamide thin film composite (TFC) nanofiltration membranes have received great attention in recent years. Herein, we report the preparation of TFC nanofiltration membranes by interfacial polymerization using MoS2 nanosheets as the nanomaterial interlayer. The aqueous monomer and MoS2 nanosheets are distributed on the surface of microporous membrane substrates by a one-step method. The MoS2 interlayer improves the uniformity and smoothness of the microporous substrates, helping to form polyamide nanofilms at ultralow monomer concentration. Moreover, the hydrophilic and negatively-charged MoS2 nanosheets enhance the water permeability and negative charges of the nanofiltration membranes. The composite membranes show both high water permeance of 33.5 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 and Na2SO4 rejection of 97.5%, as well as significantly improved mono-/divalent anions selectivity and antifouling property. It is proved that the interfacial polymerization strategy assisted by the MoS2 interlayer is effective for preparing high-performance nanofiltration membranes. [Display omitted] •Nanofiltration membranes with MoS2 nanosheet interlayer are fabricated.•MoS2 interlayer provides an even platform for interfacial polymerization.•The nanofiltration membrane shows a water permeance of 33.5 L m-2 h-1 bar-1 and a rejection of 97.5% for Na2SO4.•The nanofiltration membrane exhibits excellent long-term stability and antifouling ability.