Photocatalytic Membranes in Degradation of Organic Molecules

Abstract

Heterogeneous photocatalysis is a technology widely applied to water purification and wastewater treatment under ultraviolet (UV) or even sunlight irradiation for the removal of a variety of environmental pollutants into harmless species. Application of membrane for immobilization of semiconductors and their suitability in photocatalytic degradation of dyes have recently been developed. Integration of photocatalysis with membrane processes significantly improve the membrane separation performance with reducing membrane fouling and improving permeate quality. This paper reviews recent progress in the photocatalytic membranes for wastewater treatment and water purification with an emphasis on the type of membranes, membrane fabrication, and applications in pollutant removal.