A cosubstantial [0D+2D] CTF membrane with enhanced perm-selectivity and solar cleaning for multiscale molecular separation

Fouling is the pending issue of conspicuous two-dimensional membranes for complex wastewater treantment. Here, we first report a hybrid-dimensional cosubstantial [0D+2D] covalent triazine framework (CTF) membrane to sort out the membrane fouling via solar-cleaning strategy. The intersertal 0D CTF-0 in lamellar membrane as “pillar” offers interspacing pathways for selective separation of sub/micrometer oily emulsions and nanometer dyes. It also acts as cosubstantial “joint” to improve electron/hole separation efficiency under sunlight irradiation, which activated peroxymonosulfate to achieve effective membrane solar-cleaning via free and non-free radical way. Both the surfactant adsorbed on the membrane and the oil and dye molecules trapped on the membrane surface by the pore sieving could all be efficiently removed via the photocatalytic degredation. The interfacial solar-thermal effect also contributed to the removal of volatile oils. This featured photocatalytic membrane prepared via hybrid-dimensional and cosubstantial CTF nanomaterials offers a promising way for sustainable fouling alleviation. • The cosubstantial [0D+2D] CTFs membrane was prepared for the first time. • The hybrid dimensional membrane shows good separation for multiscale emulsions. • The membrane fouling could be alleviated via photothermal and photocatalysis. • The membrane achieves long term stability for emulsions separation.