Electrified Membranes for Water Treatment Applications

Electrified membranes (EMs) have the potential to address inherent limitations of conventional membrane technologies. Recent studies have demonstrated that EMs exhibit enhanced functions beyond separation. Electrification could enhance the performance and sustainability of membrane technologies and stimulate new applications in water and wastewater treatment. Herein, we first describe EM materials, synthesis methods, electrofiltration modules, and operating modes. Next, we highlight applications of EMs in water decontamination, purification, and disinfection. Additionally, we discuss state-of-the-art electrification methods for controlling membrane organic fouling, biofouling, and inorganic scaling. We also evaluate the energy consumption of EMs for water treatment and fouling control. We conclude by discussing the challenges for improving the stability and practicality of EMs and by proposing pathways for future research and development. On the basis of our discussion, we suggest that EMs may be viable for ultrafiltration and microfiltration but not for salt-rejecting reverse osmosis and nanofiltration applications. Further, we find that EMs are promising for decontamination and organic fouling control, and these systems could be deployed for fit-for-purpose distributed treatment applications.

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