Reactive, Self-Cleaning Ultrafiltration Membrane Functionalized with Iron Oxychloride Nanocatalysts

Self-cleaning, antifouling ultrafiltration membranes are critically needed to mitigate organic fouling in water and wastewater treatment. In this study, we fabricated a novel polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite ultrafiltration membrane coated with FeOCl nanocatalysts (FeOCl/PVDF) via a facile, scalable thermal-treatment method, for the synergetic separation and degradation of organic pollutants. The structure, composition, and morphology of the FeOCl/PVDF membrane were extensively characterized. Results showed that the as-prepared FeOCl/PVDF membrane was uniformly covered with FeOCl nanoparticles with an average diameter of 1-5 nm, which greatly enhanced membrane hydrophilicity. The catalytic self-cleaning and antifouling properties of the FeOCl/PVDF membrane were evaluated in the presence of H2O2 at neutral pH. Using a facile H2O2 cleaning process, we showed that the FeOCl/PVDF membrane can achieve an excellent water flux recovery rate of ∼100%, following organic fouling with a model organic foulant (bovine serum albumin). Moreover, the in situ catalytic production of active hydroxyl radicals by the FeOCl/PVDF membrane was elucidated by electron spin resonance (ESR) and UV analysis. The catalytic performance of the FeOCl/PVDF membrane was further demonstrated by the complete degradation of bisphenol A when H2O2 was dosed in the feed solution at neutral pH. Our results demonstrate the promise of utilizing this novel membrane for the treatment of waters with complex organic pollutants.