In Situ Assembly of a Zeolite Imidazolate Framework Hybrid Thin-Film Nanocomposite Membrane with Enhanced Desalination Performance Induced by Noria-Polyethyleneimine Codeposition

Empowering ultrathin polyamide membranes at the water-energy nexus: strategies, limitations, and future perspectives

Membrane-based separation is one of the most energy-efficient methods to meet the growing need for a significant amount of fresh water. It is also well-known for its applications in water treatment, desalination, solvent recycling, and environmental remediation. Most typical membranes used for separation-based applications are thin-film composite membranes created using polymers, featuring a top selective layer generated by employing the interfacial polymerization technique at an aqueous-organic interface. In the last decade, various manufacturing techniques have been developed in order to create high-specification membranes. Among them, the creation of ultrathin polyamide membranes has shown enormous potential for achieving a significant increase in the water permeation rate, translating into major energy savings in various applications. However, this great potential of ultrathin membranes is greatly hindered by undesired transport phenomena such as the geometry-induced "funnel effect" arising from the substrate membrane, severely limiting the actual permeation rate. As a result, the separation capability of ultrathin membranes is still not fully unleashed or understood, and a critical assessment of their limitations and potential solutions for future studies is still lacking. Here, we provide a summary of the latest developments in the design of ultrathin polyamide membranes, which have been achieved by controlling the interfacial polymerization process and utilizing a number of novel manufacturing processes for ionic and molecular separations. Next, an overview of the in-depth assessment of their limitations resulting from the substrate membrane, along with potential solutions and future perspectives will be covered in this review.

A review on artificial water channels incorporated polyamide membranes for water purification: Transport mechanisms and performance

While thin-film composite (TFC) polyamide (PA) membranes are advanced for removing salts and trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) from water, TFC PA membranes encounter a water permeance-selectivity trade-off due to PA layer structural characteristics. Drawing inspiration from the excellent water permeance and solute rejection of natural biological channels, the development of analogous artificial water channels (AWCs) in TFC PA membranes (abbreviated as AWCM) promises to achieve superior mass transfer efficiency, enabling breaking the upper bound of water permeance and selectivity. Herein, we first discussed the types and structural characteristics of AWCs, followed by summarizing the methods for constructing AWCM. We discussed whether the AWCs acted as the primary mass transfer channels in AWCM and emphasized the important role of the AWCs in water transport and ion/TrOCs rejection. We thoroughly summarized the molecular-level mechanisms and structure-performance relationship of water molecules, ions, and TrOCs transport in the confined nanospace of AWCs, which laid the foundation for illustrating the enhanced water permeance and salt/TrOCs selectivity of AWCM. Finally, we discussed the challenges encountered in the field of AWCM and proposed future perspectives for practical applications. This review is expected to offer guidance for understanding the transport mechanisms of AWCM and developing next-generation membrane for effective water treatment.

In Situ Formation of Silver Nanoparticles Induced by Cl-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots for Enhanced Separation and Antibacterial Performance of Nanofiltration Membrane

Polyamide (PA) nanofiltration (NF) membranes suffer from biofouling, which will deteriorate their separation performance. In this study, we proposed a strategy to incorporate silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) into PA NF membranes in situ, in order to simultaneously enhance water permeability and antibacterial performance. The chloride-doped carbon quantum dots (Cl-CQDs) with photocatalytic performance were pre-embedded in the PA selective layer. Under visible light irradiation, the photogenerated charge carriers generated by Cl-CQDs rapidly transported to silver ions (Ag+ ions), resulting in the in situ formation of Ag NPs. The proposed strategy avoided the problem of aggregating Ag NPs, and the amount of Ag NPs on the membrane surfaces could be easily tuned by changing silver nitrate (AgNO3) concentrations and immersion times. These uniformly dispersed Ag NPs increased membrane hydrophilicity. Thus, the obtained thin film nanocomposite Ag NPs (TFN-Ag) membrane exhibited an improved water flux (31.74 L m-2 h-1), which was ~2.98 times that of the pristine PA membrane; meanwhile, the sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) rejection rate was 96.11%. The sterilization rates of the TFN-Ag membrane against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were 99.55% and 99.52%, respectively. Thus, this facile strategy simultaneously improved the permeability and antibacterial property of PA NF membranes.

When self-assembly meets interfacial polymerization

Interfacial polymerization (IP) and self-assembly are two thermodynamically different processes involving an interface in their systems. When the two systems are incorporated, the interface will exhibit extraordinary characteristics and generate structural and morphological transformation. In this work, an ultrapermeable polyamide (PA) reverse osmosis (RO) membrane with crumpled surface morphology and enlarged free volume was fabricated via IP reaction with the introduction of self-assembled surfactant micellar system. The mechanisms of the formation of crumpled nanostructures were elucidated via multiscale simulations. The electrostatic interactions among m-phenylenediamine (MPD) molecules, surfactant monolayer and micelles, lead to disruption of the monolayer at the interface, which in turn shapes the initial pattern formation of the PA layer. The interfacial instability brought about by these molecular interactions promotes the formation of crumpled PA layer with larger effective surface area, facilitating the enhanced water transport. This work provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of the IP process and is fundamental for exploring high-performance desalination membranes.

Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 Triggers the Inhibition of Arginine Biosynthesis to Combat Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

The self-preservation and intelligent survival abilities of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) result in the ineffective treatment of many antibiotics. Nano-drug delivery systems have emerged as a new strategy to overcome MRSA infection. ZIF-8 nanoparticles (ZIF-8 NPs) exhibit good antibacterial activities, while its molecular mechanisms are largely elusive. In this study, the ZIF-8 NPs are prepared using the room temperature solution reaction method. The values of minimum inhibitory concentration of ZIF-8 NPs against Escherichia coli and MRSA isolates are 25 and 12.5 µg mL^-1 , respectively. Transcriptome and metabonomic analyses reveal that ZIF-8 NPs could trigger the inhibition of arginine biosynthesis pathway and the production of ROS, which lead to dysfunctional tricarboxylic acid cycle and disruption of cell membrane integrity, eventually killing MRSA isolates. Moreover, ZIF-8 NPs show desirable treatment and repair effects on mice model of MRSA isolates wound infected-model. The results, for the first time, reveal that the inhibition of arginine biosynthesis mediates the production of ROS and energy metabolism dysfunction contributes to the antibacterial ability of ZIF-8 NPs against MRSA. This study offers a new insight into ZIF-8 NPs combating MRSA isolates.

Nanostructured Material and its Application in Membrane Separation Technology

Abstract:

Nanomaterials are classified with their at least one dimension in the range of 1-100 nm, which offers new innovative solutions for membrane development. These are included as nanosized adsorbents, nanomembranes, nanocomposites, photocatalysts, nanotubes, nanoclays, etc. Nanomaterials are promising, exceptional properties for one of the opportunity is to prevent the global water crisis with their extraordinary performance as their usage for membrane development, particularly for water treatment process. Nanomaterial based membranes that include nanoparticles, nanofibers, 2D layered materials, and their nanostructured composites which provide superior permeation characteristics besides their antifouling, antibacterial and photodegradation properties. They are enable for providing the extraordinary properties to be used as ultrafast and ultimately selective membranes for water purification. In this review, recently developed nanomaterial based membranes and their applications for water treatment process were summarized. The main attention is given to the nanomaterial based membrane structure design. The variety in terms of constituent structure and alterations provide nanomaterial based membranes which will be expected to be a perfect separation membrane in the future.

Recent advances in thin film nanocomposite membranes containing an interlayer (TFNi): fabrication, applications, characterization and perspectives

Polyamide (PA) reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes have been applied widely for desalination and wastewater reuse in the last 5-10 years. A novel thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane featuring a nanomaterial interlayer (TFNi) has emerged in recent years and attracted the attention of researchers. The novel TFNi membranes are prepared from different nanomaterials and with different loading methods. The choices of intercalated nanomaterials, substrate layers and loading methods are based on the object to be treated. The introduction of nanostructured interlayers improves the formation of the PA separation layer and provides ultrafast water molecule transport channels. In this manner, the TFNi membrane mitigates the trade-off between permeability and selectivity reported for polyamide composite membranes. In addition, TFNi membranes enhance the removal of metal ions and organics and the recovery of organic solvents during nanofiltration and reverse osmosis, which is critical for environmental ecology and industrial applications. This review provides statistics and analyzes the developments in TFNi membranes over the last 5-10 years. The latest research results are reviewed, including the selection of the substrate and interlayer materials, preparation methods, specific application areas and more advanced characterization methods. Mechanistic aspects are analyzed to encourage future research, and potential mechanisms for industrialization are discussed.

Advances in metal-organic framework-based membranes

Membrane-based separations have garnered considerable attention owing to their high energy efficiency, low capital cost, small carbon footprint, and continuous operation mode. As a class of highly porous crystalline materials with well-defined pore systems and rich chemical functionalities, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have demonstrated great potential as promising membrane materials over the past few years. Different types of MOF-based membranes, including polycrystalline membranes, mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), and nanosheet-based membranes, have been developed for diversified applications with remarkable separation performances. In this comprehensive review, we first discuss the general classification of membranes and outline the historical development of MOF-based membranes. Subsequently, particular attention is devoted to design strategies for MOF-based membranes, along with detailed discussions on the latest advances on these membranes for various gas and liquid separation processes. Finally, challenges and future opportunities for the industrial implementation of these membranes are identified and outlined with the intent of providing insightful guidance on the design and fabrication of high-performance membranes in the future.

Recent progress in nanomaterial-functionalized membranes for removal of pollutants

Membrane technology has gained tremendous attention for removing pollutants from wastewater, mainly due to their affordable capital cost, miniature equipment size, low energy consumption, and high efficiency even for the pollutants present in lower concentrations. In this paper, we review the literature to summarize the progress of nanomaterial-modified membranes for wastewater treatment applications. Introduction of nanomaterial in the polymeric matrix influences membrane properties such as surface roughness, hydrophobicity, porosity, and fouling resistance. This review also covers the importance of functionalization strategies to prepare thin-film nanocomposite hybrid membranes and their effect on eliminating pollutants. Systematic discussion regarding the impact of the nanomaterials incorporated within membrane, toward the recovery of various pollutants such as metal ions, organic compounds, dyes, and microbes. Successful examples are provided to show the potential of nanomaterial-functionalized membranes for regeneration of wastewater. In the end, future prospects are discussed to develop nanomaterial-based membrane technology.

pH-Regulated Single and Double Charge Inversions on PEI-Coated Surfaces

The pH-regulated charge inversions on polyethylenimine (PEI)-coated surfaces are indispensable to their applications in biomaterials and nanomaterials. Various PEI-coated surfaces, where single charge inversion happens, have been extensively investigated, while the surfaces where double charge inversion appears are less reported. Here, using a molecular theory, we systematically study the pH-regulated charge density of PEI-coated surfaces. The results suggest whether single or double charge inversion happens depends on PEI affinity to the surface and the bare surface charge density. The region of double charge inversion is much smaller than that of single charge inversion, revealing the reason why double charge inversion is less observed in experiments. Besides, the charge inversions are significantly influenced by the solution condition. The present work provides a useful guideline to the selection of the coated materials and the parameters of PEI solution in the design of PEI-coated surfaces aiming to promote their applications in multifunctional nanomaterials.

Tailored design of nanofiltration membranes for water treatment based on synthesis-property-performance relationships

Tailored design of high-performance nanofiltration (NF) membranes is desirable because the requirements for membrane performance, particularly ion/salt rejection and selectivity, differ among the various applications of NF technology ranging from drinking water production to resource mining. However, this customization greatly relies on a comprehensive understanding of the influence of membrane fabrication methods and conditions on membrane properties and the relationships between the membrane structural and physicochemical properties and membrane performance. Since the inception of NF, much progress has been made in forming the foundation of tailored design of NF membranes and the underlying governing principles. This progress includes theories regarding NF mass transfer and solute rejection, further exploitation of the classical interfacial polymerization technique, and development of novel materials and membrane fabrication methods. In this critical review, we first summarize the progress made in controllable design of NF membrane properties in recent years from the perspective of optimizing interfacial polymerization techniques and adopting new manufacturing processes and materials. We then discuss the property-performance relationships based on solvent/solute mass transfer theories and mathematical models, and draw conclusions on membrane structural and physicochemical parameter regulation by modifying the fabrication process to improve membrane separation performance. Next, existing and potential applications of these NF membranes in water treatment processes are systematically discussed according to the different separation requirements. Finally, we point out the prospects and challenges of tailored design of NF membranes for water treatment applications. This review bridges the long-existing gaps between the pressing demand for suitable NF membranes from the industrial community and the surge of publications by the scientific community in recent years.

In Situ Assembly of Polyamide/Fe(BTC) Nanocomposite Reverse Osmosis Membrane Assisted by Fe3+-Polyphenolic Complex for Desalination

The metal-organic framework (MOF)-based polyamide (PA) membranes applied for desalination with high permeability and selectivity are attracting more and more attention. However, the design and fabrication of high-quality and stable MOF-based PA nanocomposite reverse osmosis (RO) membrane still remain a big challenge. Herein, Fe³⁺-polyphenolic complex coating via interfacial coordination was first explored as an interlayer of an in situ assembled stable and high-quality Fe(BTC)-based PA nanocomposite RO membranes for desalination. Although depositing the Fe³⁺-polyphenolic complex on the polymer support, sufficient heterogeneous nucleation sites for the in situ synthesizing Fe(BTC) are provided. Using this strategy, we can not only facilely prepare continuous MOF-based PA nanocomposite RO membranes, ignoring the complicated and time-consuming co-blending process and the MOF-particle aggregation, but also restrict the formation of PA matrix inside the pores of the support membrane and increase the rigidity of the polyamide chain. The method also gives a proper level of generality for the fabrication of versatile stable MOF-based PA RO membranes on various supports. The prepared PA/Fe(BTC) composite membrane exhibited excellent separation performance with a large permeate flux of 2.93 L m^-2 h^-1 bar^-1 and a high NaCl rejection of 96.8%.

Towards a High Rejection Desalination Membrane: The Confined Growth of Polyamide Nanofilm Induced by Alkyl-Capped Graphene Oxide

In this paper, we used an octadecylamine functionalized graphene oxide (ODA@GO) to induce the confined growth of a polyamide nanofilm in the organic and aqueous phase during interfacial polymerization (IP). The ODA@GO, fully dispersed in the organic phase, was applied as a physical barrier to confine the amine diffusion and therefore limiting the IP reaction close to the interface. The morphology and crosslinking degree of the PA nanofilm could be controlled by doping different amounts of ODA@GO (therefore adjusting the diffusion resistance). At standard seawater desalination conditions (32,000 ppm NaCl, ~55 bar), the flux of the resultant thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane reached 59.6 L m^-2 h^-1, which was approximately 17% more than the virgin TFC membrane. Meanwhile, the optimal salt rejection at seawater conditions (i.e., 32,000 ppm NaCl) achieved 99.6%. Concurrently, the boron rejection rate was also elevated by 13.3% compared with the TFC membrane without confined growth.

Thin-Film Nanocomposite Membrane Incorporated with Porous Zn-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks: Toward Enhancement of Desalination Performance and Chlorine Resistance

Metal-organic framework (MOF) materials have received extensive attention for the design of advanced thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes with excellent permselectivity. However, the relationship between the unique physicochemical properties and performance of engineered MOF-based membranes has yet to be extensively investigated. In this work, we investigate the incorporation of porous zinc-based MOFs (Zn-MOFs) into a polyamide active layer for the fabrication of TFN membranes on porous poly(phenylsulfone) (PPSU) support layers through an interfacial polymerization approach. The actual effects of varying the amount of Zn-MOF added as a nanofiller on the physicochemical properties and desalination performance of TFN membranes are studied. The presence and layout of Zn-MOFs on the top layer of the membranes were confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and ζ potential analysis. The characterization results revealed that Zn-MOFs strongly bind with polyamide and significantly change the membrane chemistry and morphology. The results indicate that all four studied TFN membranes with incorporated Zn-MOFs enhanced the water permeability while retaining high salt rejection compared to a thin-film composite membrane. Moreover, the highest-performing membrane (50 mg/L Zn-MOF added nanofiller) not only exhibited a water permeability of 2.46 ± 0.12 LMH/bar but also maintained selectivity to reject NaCl (>90%) and Na₂SO₄ (>95%), similar to benchmark values. Furthermore, the membranes showed outstanding water stability throughout 72 h filtration and chlorine resistance after a 264 h chlorine-soaking test because of the better compatibility between the polyamide and Zn-MOF nanofiller. Therefore, the developed TFN membrane has potential to solve trade-off difficulties between permeability and selectivity. Our findings indicate that porous Zn-MOFs play a significant role in the development of a TFN membrane with high desalination performance and chlorine resistance.

Enhanced Water Permeability and Antifouling Property of Coffee-Ring-Textured Polyamide Membranes by In Situ Incorporation of a Zwitterionic Metal-Organic Framework

Modulation of the polyamide structure is critically important for the reverse-osmosis performance of thin-film composite (TFC) membranes in the field of water reuse and desalination. Herein, zwitterionic nanoparticles of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (PZ@ZIF-8) were fabricated and incorporated into the polyamide active layer through the interfacial polymerization method. A hydrophilic, zwitterionic coffee-ring structure was formed on the surface of polyamide thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes due to the adjusted diffusion rate of m-phenylenediamine (MPD) from the aqueous phase into the organic phase during the interfacial polymerization process. Surface characterization demonstrated that the coffee-ring structure increased the amounts of water transport channels on the membrane surface and the intrinsic pores of PZ@ZIF-8 maintained the salt rejection. Antifouling and bactericidal activities of TFN membranes were enhanced remarkably owing to the bacterial-"defending" and bacterial-"attacking" behaviors of hydrophilic and zwitterionic groups from PZ@ZIF-8 nanoparticles. This work would provide a promising method for the application of MOFs to enhance the bio-/organic-fouling resistance of TFN membranes with high water permeation and salt rejection.

A Critical Review on Thin-Film Nanocomposite Membranes with Interlayered Structure: Mechanisms, Recent Developments, and Environmental Applications

The separation properties of polyamide reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes, widely applied for desalination and water reuse, are constrained by the permeability-selectivity upper bound. Although thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes incorporating nanomaterials exhibit enhanced water permeance, their rejection is only moderately improved or even impaired due to agglomeration of nanomaterials and formation of defects. A novel type of TFN membranes featuring an interlayer of nanomaterials (TFNi) has emerged in recent years. These novel TFNi membranes show extraordinary improvement in water flux (e.g., up to an order of magnitude enhancement) along with better selectivity. Such enhancements can be achieved by a wide selection of nanomaterials, ranging from nanoparticles, one-/two-dimensional materials, to interfacial coatings. The use of nanostructured interlayers not only improves the formation of polyamide rejection layers but also provides an optimized water transport path, which enables TFNi membranes to potentially overcome the longstanding trade-off between membrane permeability and selectivity. Furthermore, TFNi membranes can potentially enhance the removal of heavy metals and micropollutants, which is critical for many environmental applications. This review critically examines the recent developments of TFNi membranes and discusses the underlying mechanisms and design criteria. Their potential environmental applications are also highlighted.

Antifouling Nanofiltration Membrane Fabrication via Surface Assembling Light-Responsive and Regenerable Functional Layer

Membrane fouling, caused by aggregation of organics and microorganisms from filtrate on the membrane surface, seriously reduces the service life of a nanofiltration (NF) membrane. Developing facile and renewable antifouling modification methods without sacrificing separation properties of the membrane remain an imperative requirement. Herein, a thin-film composite (TFC) NF membrane with a light-responsive and regenerable functional layer (P-TFC) was fabricated via host-guest interactions between the azobenzene (guest) labeled functional polymers and the β-cyclodextrin (host) bonded membrane surface (H-TFC). The P-TFC-3 not only showed outstanding antifouling ability and high flux recovery ratio (FRR > 90% at the fourth antiadhesive test) but also exhibited enhanced water permeability (17.9 L m^-2 h^-1 bar^-1) and high selectivity (α_MgSO4^NaCl = 33.4 and fast antibiotics enrichment capacity) compared with the pristine membrane. Furthermore, when the functional layer was contaminated, it can be removed by ultraviolet light irradiation and a new functional layer can be rebuilt by adding fresh azobenzene labeled functional polymers. After several regeneration processes, the membranes still showed constant separation properties and high flux recovery ability (FRR > 90%). This work proposes an easy-to-assemble and regenerable surface modification strategy to endow TFC NF membranes with excellent fouling resistance and sustainable utilization ability while maintaining high separation properties.

ON/OFF Switchable Nanocomposite Membranes for Separations

Although water, air, and other resources are abundant on earth, they have been subjected to strict environmental regulations. This is because of their limitation of availability for human consumption. In the separation industry, the membrane system was introduced to increase the amount of resources available to mankind. Experts used an easy-to-use polymeric material to design several membranes with porous structures for wastewater treatment, gas separation, and chemical removal; consequently, they succeeded in obtaining positive results. However, past polymeric membranes exhibited a chronic drawback such that it was difficult to simultaneously augment the permeate flux and improve its selectivity toward certain substances. Because of the trade-off relationship that existed between permeability and selectivity, the membrane efficiency was not very good; consequently, the cost-effectiveness was significantly hindered because there was no other alternative than to replace the membrane in order to maintain its initial characteristics steadily. This review begins with the introduction of a polymer nanocomposite (PNC) membrane that has been designed to solve the chronic problem of polymeric membranes; subsequently, the stimuli-responsive PNC membrane is elucidated, which has established itself as a popular topic among researchers in the separation industry for several decades. Furthermore, we have listed the different types and examples of stimuli-responsive PNC membranes, which can be switched by external stimuli, while discussing the future direction of the membrane separation industry.

Modifying thin film composite membrane with zeolitic imidazolate framework-8@polydopamine for enhanced antifouling property

Biofouling and organic fouling are major obstacles for polymeric membranes during application. In this work, zeolitic imidazolate framework-8@polydopamine (ZIF-8@PDA) nanoparticles were prepared by an aqueous synthesis strategy and incorporated into the polyamide (PA) selective layer to synthesize thin film nanocomposite membrane (TFN) during interfacial polymerization. The permeability and selectivity of the composite membrane were simultaneously improved with the introduction of ZIF-8@PDA. The water permeability of the TFN membrane increased to 3.74 ± 0.19 L/(m2·h·bar), which is 43.8% higher than that of the control membrane. Besides, the rejection of TFN membrane to sodium chloride is 98.68 ± 0.13%, which shows 0.99% increment than the unmodified membrane. Moreover, organic fouling and biofouling of the TFN membrane were also alleviated thanks to the introduction of the hydrophilic ZIF-8@PDA. The short-term filtration results indicate the performance of the TFN membrane is stable during operation.

Porous Zr-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks (Zr-MOFs)-Incorporated Thin-Film Nanocomposite Membrane toward Enhanced Desalination Performance

Four different thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes were prepared by adding different concentrations of porous Zr-metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) (UiO-66 and UiO-66-NH₂) to piperazine aqueous solution (aqueous phase) or 1,3,5-benzenetricarbonyl trichloride-n-hexane solution (organic phase) by interfacial polymerization. The main purpose is to study the specific effects of different addition methods and addition amounts of nanoparticles on the structure and performance of the TFN membranes by interfacial polymerization. All four TFN membranes exhibited a higher water permeability while maintaining high salt rejection compared to thin-film composite membrane. On the one hand, the TFN membranes behave differently, which are prepared by adding the same kind of nanoparticles to the aqueous phase or organic phase, respectively. The TFN membrane prepared by adding 0.2 w/v% UiO-66 to the organic phase had a high water flux of 87.86 L m^-2 h^-1, compared to 46.31 L m^-2 h^-1 of the membrane prepared by adding 0.3 w/v% UiO-66 in the aqueous phase. This is due to the fact that UiO-66 greatly slows the interfacial polymerization rate when UiO-66 is added to the organic phase, resulting in a thinner and wider-aperture polyamide thin-film layer, reducing the water transmission resistance during filtration. Therefore, it is more economical by adding nanoparticles to organic phase than aqueous phase under the same filtering effect. On the other hand, different nanoparticles can also cause differences in performance and structure of the TFN membranes even in the same preparation manner. TFN membrane with UiO-66-NH₂ in the aqueous phase has higher water permeance than the one with UiO-66 in the aqueous phase, owing to the good hydrophilicity of the amino group, which improves the water dispersibility of UiO-66-NH₂ so that the TFN membrane is more uniform. In addition, UiO-66-NH₂ slows down the process of interface polymerization, making the membrane more porous. The monomers in the aqueous phase and organic phase can be adsorbed in the pores of Zr-MOFs, which makes the interfacial polymerization occur both in the pores and on the surface of the pores. Thus, the compatibility between the polyamide and MOFs was enhanced and less defects were formed in the thin-film layer, resulting in a high salt rejection even when the concentration of Zr-MOFs increased. This is the first time to explain that polyamide membrane has not obvious salt rejection attenuation with increasing porous material content using pore adsorption reaction monomer principle. Also, the Zr-MOFs-based TFN membrane exhibited good heat resistance and antifouling property. This work shows that porous Zr-MOFs nanomaterials have significant advantages in the development of nanofiltration membranes with high water flux and rejection.