BACKGROUNDPorous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) have received considerable attention due to their designable framework topologies and high stability. In this work PAF-11 particles were synthesized and incorporated in poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) matrix for dealcoholation of aqueous solutions for the first time. The effects of PAF-11 loading on the hydrophobilicity, sorption degree, partition coefficient and pervaporation (PV) performance of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were studied. RESULTSIt was found that, with the increased PAF-11 loading, the contact angle of MMMs with water increased whereas the sorption degree in water, ethanol and n-butanol declined, demonstrating the improved swelling stability of MMMs. Pristine PDMS and MMMs displayed alcohol sorption-selectivity, and the partition coefficients of ethanol and n-butanol in MMMs increased with PAF-11 loading. In the pervaporation of ethanol and n-butanol aqueous solutions, the MMMs showed an increase in permeation fluxes and separation factor, as well as good stability in long-term running, demonstrating anti-trade-off effects and good application prospects. CONCLUSIONSIt was deduced that, in the pervaporation removal of organics from aqueous solutions, anti-trade-off effects could be fulfilled by introducing hydrophobic fillers with pore sizes larger than molecules of water and organics. (c) 2018 Society of Chemical Industry