MIL-101(Fe)-loaded mixed matrix membrane for H₂O₂ activation in fenton-like catalysis and enhanced degradation of ibuprofen

Ibuprofen (IBP), a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is frequently identified in aquatic ecosystems and may pose long-term environmental risks. In this study, using the phase inversion method, mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were synthesized with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyvinylpyrrolidone, and a metal–organic framework (MIL-101(Fe)) for the degradation of IBP in water. The synthesized PVDF/MIL-101(Fe) MMMs (denoted as PM-x, x = 2, 4, 6, and 8 wt.%) were employed as adsorbents and catalysts for hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) activation. Among the fabricated membranes, PM-8 exhibited a 96.2% IBP removal efficiency under optimized catalytic conditions, determined through systematic investigation of key parameters. Additionally, PM-8 maintained a high degradation efficiency (over 84.7%) across a broad pH range (3–11) and showed excellent reusability, retaining over 90.0% removal efficiency after five reuse cycles. The removal mechanism involved various adsorption interactions, including π–π electron donor–acceptor interactions, surface complexation, and hydrogen bonding, along with catalytic oxidation driven by reactive oxygen species (^•OH, O₂^•–, and ¹O₂), generated through Fe(II)/Fe(III) redox cycling. UPLC-MS/MS analysis identified major intermediate products formed via hydroxylation, decarboxylation, and dehydrogenation pathways, outlining a plausible degradation route that ultimately leads to the mineralization of IBP. This study presents a promising strategy for IBP removal from aquatic environments, contributing to advancements in wastewater treatment technologies.