A critical review on the mechanism, progress and challenge of electrochemically assisted membrane cleaning in water treatment

Abstract

Membrane fouling is a significant challenge in membrane-based water treatment processes, significantly impairing water recovery efficiency and reducing membrane lifespan. Electrochemically assisted membrane cleaning (EAMC), which employs electrons as the reaction medium, has demonstrated effectiveness in removing various membrane foulants, thereby mitigating fouling. As an emerging technique free of solvents and chemicals, EAMC has received considerable research attention, with a large number of studies published in recent years. However, reviews in this field remain scarce, underscoring the need for an updated study to guide future research. This article offers a critical review of the recent advancements in EAMC. It begins with an exploration of the mechanisms of membrane fouling induced by different contaminants, followed by a thorough examination of the operational principles and factors of EAMC. The review then delves into the fouling removal mechanisms and the practical applications of EAMC, evaluates the strengths and limitations of this innovative approach, and concludes with a discussion of the challenges and potential future directions in EAMC research. This work provides valuable insights into the development and application of EAMC technology.