Advancements in piezoelectric membrane technology: Fundamentals and future outlook

Limited access to quality water resources poses significant challenges in the modern era. The demand for clean water has surged in tandem with the growing global population and urbanization trends. This increase in demand, coupled with industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities, has led to a substantial rise in water pollution, necessitating efficient purification techniques. While various water treatment methods exist, concerns persist regarding their effectiveness, energy consumption, and cost. Addressing these challenges is crucial to consistently providing clean water. One innovative and environmentally friendly solution to combat water scarcity is membrane filtration. However, a common issue in membrane filtration is membrane fouling, where membrane pores become clogged during filtration. This fouling issue poses a significant hurdle in membrane technology, as it significantly reduces membrane lifespan and performance. While numerous methods have been proposed to prevent or manage fouling, they often fall short of providing long-term effectiveness. One promising approach gaining attention is using piezoelectric materials as membranes, which leverage their unique spatial, physical, and chemical properties. When alternating currents are applied to piezoelectric materials, they generate vibrations on the membrane surface. These internal vibrations effectively mitigate fouling even during extended operational periods. In this systematic review, we delve into the prevention of membrane fouling using piezoelectric materials. We discussed the synthesis of self-cleaning piezoelectric membranes, the process of poling, and the mechanisms for membrane fouling control. We also highlight the impressive antifouling efficiency of piezoelectric membranes. Finally, we outline future research trends and perspectives on piezoelectric properties in membrane fouling control. We believe that this review holds significant value for guiding future research and development efforts aimed at improving membrane fouling issues.