Membrane-Based Photocatalytic and Electrocatalytic Systems: A Review
Islam Ibrahim, Ahmed Mourtada Elseman, Hassan Sadek, Essam M. Eliwa, Moustafa S. Abusaif, Periklis Kyriakos, George V. Belessiotis, Mukesh M. Mudgal, Sabah M. Abdelbasir, Mohamed Hammad Elsayed, Gehad G. Mohamed, Tarek M. Salama
Abstract
The necessity for efficient water treatment methods has led the research community to turn to hybrid technologies that combine individual advantages optimally for a greater final result. Membranes are vital to water purification technologies due to their natural barrier and filtration capabilities. On the other hand, green catalytic technologies such as photocatalysis and electrocatalysis have attracted increased attention for water purification applications due to a multitude of advantages. Therefore, the combination of catalytic and membrane technologies is the natural next step. This review focuses on several aspects of this hybrid technology: several promising materials are presented, the fabrication methods and challenges for the successful integration of the two technologies are examined, and the mechanisms for micropollutant removal are detailed. Finally, future perspectives are offered concerning these hybrid technologies. This review aims to shed light on this promising trend of membrane-based photocatalytic/electrocatalytic systems and their potential for efficient water treatment.