Recent development of photocatalytic nanomaterials in mixed matrix membrane for emerging pollutants and fouling control, membrane cleaning process

Membrane-based separation is an area of extensive research in wastewater treatment, which includes the control of pollution and reuse of water. The fabrication and modification membranes for prevention and reduction of pollution to provide quality water with fouling-free membranes through the wastewater treatment are the progressive approaches in the industries. Several research works have been extensively working on modification and fabrication polymer membranes with integration of advanced oxidation process (AOP) to overcome the membrane fouling. This review describes the modification of membranes with various nanomaterials such as inorganic and modified carbon which can be used for pollution control and enhance the anti-fouling properties of ultrafiltration membranes. The effects on nanomaterials loading percentage, nanomaterials interaction with the polymers and rejection performances of the surface tuned membrane are elaborated. Secondly, the fouled membrane chemical cleaning process and NaOCl adverse effect on polymer structure are critically investigated. Moreover, state-of-art in the photocatalytic self-cleaning process are reviewed in this manuscript, and future perspectives on fouling mitigation based on AOP integrated membrane technology have also discussed.

The use of nanoparticles in polymeric and ceramic membrane structures: review of manufacturing procedures and performance improvement for water treatment

Membrane separations are powerful tools for various applications, including wastewater treatment and the removal of contaminants from drinking water. The performance of membranes is mainly limited by material properties. Recently, successful attempts have been made to add nanoparticles or nanotubes to polymers in membrane synthesis, with particle sizes ranging from 4 nm up to 100 nm. Ceramic membranes have been fabricated with catalytic nanoparticles for synergistic effects on the membrane performance. Breakthrough effects that have been reported in the field of water and wastewater treatment include fouling mitigation, improvement of permeate quality and flux enhancement. Nanomaterials that have been used include titania, alumina, silica, silver and many others. This paper reviews the role of engineered nanomaterials in (pressure driven) membrane technology for water treatment, to be applied in drinking water production and wastewater recycling. Benefits and drawbacks are described, which should be taken into account in further studies on potential risks related to release of nanoparticles into the environment.