Supramolecular dynamics-enhanced synergistic antifouling mechanisms for enhanced membrane antifouling and permeability

This study develops water treatment membranes using an innovative surface modifier comprising threaded supramolecular assemblies formed by hydrophilic cyclodextrin (CD) and low-surface-energy polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). These supramolecular constructs establish dynamic hydrophilic and low-surface-energy heterogeneous microdomains that enhance synergistic resistance-release antifouling mechanisms. The modified membranes demonstrate better antifouling performance compared to conventional systems, particularly addressing the critical limitation of traditional membranes under low tangential flow conditions. The Brownian motion of the CDs sustains microdomain activity to prevent foulant accumulation in static environments, while tangential flow amplifies dynamic interactions to accelerate foulant detachment. The threading configuration of CDs along PDMS chains prevents water channel blockage caused by PDMS aggregation and facilitates water transport through the dynamic mobility of CDs. When separating bovine serum albumin solutions under an initial flux of 550 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹ with 60 rpm stirring, the membrane exhibits merely 14.2% flux decline, highlighting its exceptional antifouling performance and permeability.