Advancing photocatalytic membrane for efficient endocrine disrupting compounds removal: Progresses and challenges

Abstract

In recent decades, the booming industrial sectors have introduced multiple pollutants into water bodies, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These pollutants pose serious human and animal health risks, particularly affecting the reproductive, neurological, and immunological systems, even at extremely low concentrations in aquatic environments. The development of photocatalytic membrane technology has captivated tremendous interest from researchers, prompting further investigation into its application for abating hazardous EDCs in water. A detailed assessment of the various techniques for developing photocatalytic membranes targeting to remove EDCs from water bodies is provided in this review. The recent progress related to membrane fabrications, modifications, characterizations, and performances are discussed. The challenges that arose in the process of utilizing photocatalytic membrane technology were highlighted along with recommendations for future developments. Technical applicability is considered a vital factor in determining the best photocatalyst immobilization technique for treating water and facilitating the wide adoption of the technology in real settings. By comprehensively reviewing the techniques, their features and performances, it is anticipated that the range of techniques reviewed offers promising avenues that pave the research in this area.