Progress of persulfate-based advanced oxidation process (PS-AOPs) coupled with ultrafiltration membrane to alleviate membrane fouling: A review

Abstract

Membrane fouling significantly hampers the extensive deployment of ultrafiltration membranes in treating drinking water. To mitigate fouling and improve filtration effectiveness, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been considered as a potent approach, particularly the activation of AOPs by persulfate (PS-AOPs). Establishing a membrane system based on PS-AOPs is a promising approach to addressing membrane fouling. This article reviews the homogeneous and heterogeneous activation methods of PS. Recent research on the degradation of sulfamethoxazole by various activation methods are summarized, their mechanisms are discussed, and their advantages and disadvantages are compared. The integration of PS-AOPs with UF membranes to control fouling is highlighted, with evidence showing a significant reduction in membrane fouling. The article emphasizes the improvements and limitations of the PS-AOPs coupled with membrane system, especially in heterogeneous systems. Heterogeneous catalysts are doped into membrane materials to form catalytic membranes that can not only participate in membrane filtration but also undergo advanced oxidation upon PS introduction. Finally, the article looks ahead to future research paths and challenges for the PS-AOPs coupled UF membrane system. Based on metal-carbon catalytic membranes, the exploration of materials suitable for activating persulfate is discussed to promote further development of the technology.