Integration of oxidation processes and ceramic membrane filtration for advanced water treatment: A review of foulant-membrane interactions

Abstract

Membrane filtration technology emerges as a robust and efficient solution in the global effort to alleviate water scarcity, offering a reliable means to deliver clean and safe drinking water. However, its effectiveness is compromised by severe membrane fouling, particularly under conditions of high organic load and prolonged operation. Integrating oxidation processes with ceramic membrane filtration offers promising solutions to these challenges, leveraging the excellent resistance of ceramic membranes to aggressive oxidation environments. Despite this, the complex interactions between ceramic membranes and organic foulants under various oxidation processes remain inadequately understood, yet they are pivotal in fouling dynamics. This review examines the integration of oxidation processes with ceramic membrane filtration systems. We focus on the fundamental mechanisms of molecular-scale interactions between ceramic membranes and organic foulants, which are crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate fouling. Practical applications of the integrated processes in advanced water treatment are also discussed. We first examine the mechanisms underlying the unique surface chemistry of ceramic membranes and their interactions with organic foulants. We then explore the influence of oxidation processes on these interactions and fouling behaviour. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future prospects for expanding this integrated technology to broader applications in water decontamination and reuse.