Reactive,\nSelf-Cleaning Ultrafiltration Membrane Functionalized\nwith Iron Oxychloride Nanocatalysts

Abstract

Self-cleaning, antifouling ultrafiltration\nmembranes are critically\nneeded to mitigate organic fouling in water and wastewater treatment.\nIn this study, we fabricated a novel polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)\ncomposite ultrafiltration membrane coated with FeOCl nanocatalysts\n(FeOCl/PVDF) via a facile, scalable thermal-treatment method, for\nthe synergetic separation and degradation of organic pollutants. The\nstructure, composition, and morphology of the FeOCl/PVDF membrane\nwere extensively characterized. Results showed that the as-prepared\nFeOCl/PVDF membrane was uniformly covered with FeOCl nanoparticles\nwith an average diameter of 1–5 nm, which greatly enhanced\nmembrane hydrophilicity. The catalytic self-cleaning and antifouling\nproperties of the FeOCl/PVDF membrane were evaluated in the presence\nof H₂O₂ at neutral pH. Using a facile H₂O₂ cleaning process, we showed that the FeOCl/PVDF\nmembrane can achieve an excellent water flux recovery rate of ∼100%,\nfollowing organic fouling with a model organic foulant (bovine serum\nalbumin). Moreover, the <i>in situ</i> catalytic production\nof active hydroxyl radicals by the FeOCl/PVDF membrane was elucidated\nby electron spin resonance (ESR) and UV analysis. The catalytic performance\nof the FeOCl/PVDF membrane was further demonstrated by the complete\ndegradation of bisphenol A when H₂O₂ was dosed\nin the feed solution at neutral pH. Our results demonstrate the promise\nof utilizing this novel membrane for the treatment of waters with\ncomplex organic pollutants.