Recent progress in integration of photocatalysis and nanofiltration for advanced wastewater treatment

Abstract

The creation of effective and sustainable wastewater treatment technology is required due to the rising demand for clean water. Because of their complementing qualities, photocatalysis and nanofiltration (NF) have become the most promising of these techniques. While nanofiltration efficiently eliminates dissolved salts, heavy metals and micro-contaminants, photocatalysis uses light energy to break down organic pollutants and render microorganisms inactive. The benefits of both systems are combined when photocatalysis and nanofiltration are integrated, allowing for increased pollutant removal, better water quality and longer membrane life. The mechanics underlying photocatalysis and nanofiltration, as well as their respective benefits and drawbacks, are examined in this review. The experimental setup and working of photocatalytic membrane reactor and the integration strategies such as vacuum filtration, phase inversion and interfacial polymerization are presented effectively. Recent advances in these integrated systems such as photocatalytic membranes development and photocatalytic membrane reactor configuration are discussed with a focus on their applications in advanced wastewater treatment or pollutants removal. Challenges including fouling control, energy savings, material reliability and scale-up for practical implementation are examined severely. Lastly, future perspectives stress the necessity of creating multipurpose materials, streamlining process setups and removing technological and financial obstacles.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Nanofiltration / Photocatalytic / Membrane / Water treatment / Integrated

Highlight

	● Fundamentals, advantages and limitations of photocatalysis and nanofiltration.
	● Integration of photocatalysis and nanofiltration: Photocatalytic membranes reactors.
	● Integration with vacuum filtration, phase inversion and interfacial polymerization.
	● Applications and recent advances of integrated systems in water treatment.

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