Electron Beam Radiation Induced-Polymerization for Improving Membrane Separation Performance: A Novel Wastewater Treatment Technology

Herein a novel advanced wastewater treatment process based on electron beam radiation-induced polymerization was developed. During the radiation process of phenol-containing wastewater, polymerization products of high molecular weight (MW) were formed, and their distribution could be regulated by the absorbed doses. Chloride and sulfate ions decreased the proportion of ≥5000 Da products and increased the proportion of ≤100 Da. At acidic conditions, the MW distribution was dominated by ≤100 Da, 100–500 Da, and 500–5000 Da; at alkaline conditions, by ≤100 and 100–500 Da; and at neutral conditions, by ≤100 Da, 100–500 Da, 500–5000 Da, and ≥5000 Da. Gel permeation chromatography and Fourier-transform mass spectrometry confirmed the formation of hydrophobic polymers through phenol and its polymerization products, which were induced by HO^•. The process was validated in actual coking and dyeing wastewater, where polymerization enhanced the removal efficiency of UF, NF, and RO. This electron beam radiation-induced polymerization could decrease the absorbed dose required for complete degradation of organic pollutants and reduce carbon dioxide emission compared to traditional advanced oxidation processes, offering a promising solution for the treatment of refractory industrial wastewater.