Spiropyran molecular aggregates implanted photo-responsive graphene oxide membrane with self-cleaning ability for enhanced water purification

Stimuli-responsive separation membranes with adjustable interfacial properties are highly desired for energy-efficient and sustainable water purification, owing to their exceptional antifouling capability and separation selectivity. However, the construction of highly efficient responsive membranes continues to present a substantial challenge. Herein, photo-responsive spiropyran (SP) molecular aggregates obtained via a "good-poor" solvent self-assembly strategy were implanted into lamellar graphene oxide (GO) membrane. The obtained GO/SP membrane with enriched water transport channels and enhanced hydrophilicity demonstrated superior water permeability (95.0 L h−1 m−2 bar−1). Benefiting from the reversible photoisomerization of SP molecules between the hydrophobic SP upon light irradiation and the hydrophilic zwitterionic merocyanine (MC) in dark conditions, the GO/SP membrane possessed captivating photo-response property verified by tunable water permeability and molecular rejection. Theoretical calculation revealed that the thermodynamic interface energy between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and membrane surface changed from attraction in dark conditions to repulsion under light conditions. Consequently, the water permeability of BSA-fouled membranes could recover to 96.2 % of its initial level after light irradiation, exhibiting fascinating photo-driven self-cleaning capability. The designed photo-responsive membrane with feasible membrane fouling control holds great promise for efficient water purification.