Photo-Fenton activation mechanism and antifouling performance of an FeOCl-coated ceramic membrane

Multifunctional ceramic membranes have evolved to be among the most promising means of removing refractory organic pollutants. The aims of this study were to develop a ceramic membrane by coating iron oxychloride (FeOCl) via a coupling agent and to evaluate its potential photocatalytic activation and antifouling performance. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) spectra of the photo-Fenton membrane revealed the successful incorporation of FeOCl in the materials developed. The reaction kinetics, degradation mechanism, antifouling performance, and stability of the membrane were thoroughly investigated using nitrobenzene (NB) as a model pollutant. The experimental results showed that the degradation rate of NB and antifouling ability of the membrane significantly enhanced due to the photo-Fenton reaction on the surface of the membrane. From quenching experiments, we determined that the main reactive species produced in the coupling system were hydroxyl radicals (OH). Durability test showed that the catalytic activity, filtration performance, and surface morphology of the membrane, before and after five cycles of operation were stable. This study may facilitate further applications of photocatalytic membranes, particularly in wastewater treatment.