Photocatalytic membranes: Synthesis, properties, and applications

Abstract

Abstract Photocatalysts are often employed as suspended particles (slurries) in batch reactors, and thus a second step is required for catalyst separation from the treated water, limiting its recovery and reuse. Photocatalytic membranes (PMs), in which photocatalyst nanoparticles are deposited or immobilized to enhance their performance, can provide a complete treatment of wastewater due to the dual action over pollutants: retention/rejection/repulsion and photodegradation. PMs possess unique properties, such as antibiofouling behavior, less concentrated retentate effluent, higher flux, and often more hydrophilic character, among others. This chapter offers a comprehensive outlook concerning the type, fabrication procedures, and performance of TiO2-based PMs for pollutant abatement in water, considering the degradation of different organic pollutants (such as dyes, pharmaceuticals, and other micropollutants). The prospects and further expected developments of TiO2-based PMs in water treatment will also be overviewed.