High-Flux Membranes Based on the Covalent Organic Framework COF-LZU1 for Selective Dye Separation by Nanofiltration

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are attractive candidates for advanced water-treatment membranes owing to their high porosity and well-organized channel structures. Herein, the continuous two-dimensional imine-linked COF-LZU1 membrane with a thickness of only 400 nm was prepared on alumina tubes by in situ solvothermal synthesis. The membrane shows excellent water permeance (ca. 760 L m−2 h−1 MPa−1) and favorable rejection rates exceeding 90 % for water-soluble dyes larger than 1.2 nm. The water permeance through the COF-LZU1 membrane is much higher than that of most membranes with similar rejection rates. Long-time operation demonstrates the outstanding stability of the COF-LZU1 membrane. As the membrane has no selectivity for hydrated salt ions (selectivity <12 %), it is also suitable for the purification of dye products from saline solutions. The excellent performance and the outstanding water stability render the COF-LZU1 membrane an interesting system for water purification.