Review
Engineering, Environmental
Ojo Samuel, Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman, Roziana Kamaludin, Tonni Agustiono Kurniawan, Tao Li, Hazlini Dzinun, Aniqa Imtiaz
Summary: This article critically reviews the progress in treating oily wastewater using photocatalytic membrane reactors (PMRs). It highlights the PMR's capability to simultaneously degrade oil emulsions and undertake separation, achieving over 96% oil rejection. The study also evaluates the self-cleaning and anti-fouling properties of PMRs, as well as trends in integrated techniques and the utilization of functional materials. PMRs show promise as a technology for oily wastewater treatment with high efficiency and the potential for reuse.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Energy & Fuels
C. Nirmala Rani, S. Karthikeyan, S. Prince Arockia Doss
Summary: This paper provides an overview of hybrid photocatalytic membrane reactors with ultrafiltration for water and wastewater treatment, detailing various membrane materials, the impact of membrane fouling on permeate flux, and the efficiency of PUMRs in separating photocatalyst particles. It also critically reviews the threats posed by micropollutants to human life, the removal of MPs by membranes, and the economic aspects and process intensification in PUMRs.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND PROCESSING-PROCESS INTENSIFICATION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ran Deng, Xu-Ze Xia, Jian-Chen Han, Qing-Yun Wu, Hao-Cheng Yang
Summary: In this work, a novel siphon-driven interfacial photocatalytic reactor based on beta-FeOOH-coated fabrics was proposed for the continuous treatment of wastewater with high efficiency. The reactor utilizes gravity-driven liquid flow and can be adjusted by structural parameters to match the reaction rate. The confined capillary flow ensures sufficient contact between the feed and catalysts, as well as sufficient sunlight utilization, leading to high degradation efficiency.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Junnan Mei, Ximei Gao, Jun Zou, Fei Pang
Summary: Photocatalytic wastewater treatment technology has been proposed for more than 30 years, but it is still seldom used in industry. The lack of research on high-performance and cost-effective PWTRs may be one of the major reasons limiting the industrial application of photocatalytic technology.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Siwada Deepracha, Loubna Atfane, Andre Ayral, Makoto Ogawa
Summary: A photocatalytically active layer composed of TiO2 (Evonik P25) was successfully deposited on the macroporous permeate side of an asymmetric porous alumina membrane with the aid of a smectite (a synthetic hectorite, Sumecton SWF). The coated hybrid was applied for the photocatalytic decomposition of organics in water without significantly affecting the water permeance of the membranes. The implementation of a photocatalytic membrane reactor shows potential for continuous treatment of polluted waters by easily up-scaling the system with larger membrane modules.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ahmed O. Rashed, Chi Huynh, Andrea Merenda, Si Qin, Maxime Maghe, Lingxue Kong, Takeshi Kondo, Ludovic F. Dumee, Joselito M. Razal
Summary: The engineering of electrocatalytic membrane reactors integrates membrane separation with electrocatalytic technology for efficient removal of emerging organic pollutants from waste-water. Electro-responsive microfiltration carbon nanofibre (CNF) membranes were synthesized by electrospinning and subsequent carbonization, followed by oxygen plasma treatment to enhance their wettability and reactivity for electrocatalytic water treatment. The CNF membranes exhibited fine-tuned electrocatalytic performance and improved water permeance, resulting in significantly higher removal efficiency of methylene blue (MB) and acetaminophen (ACP) during combined microfiltration and electrocatalytic reaction compared to microfiltration alone. The success of this study lies in the enhanced wettability and raised electro-oxidation capacity of the oxygen plasma treated CNF membranes.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Shi-Wen Lv, Yanqing Cong, Xiang Chen, Wanxing Wang, Lin Che
Summary: This review summarizes the typical modification strategies of MOFs for improving photocatalytic activities and discusses the applications of MOFs-based photocatalysts in wastewater treatment. The challenges and prospects of MOFs-based photocatalysts are proposed, aiming to provide meaningful references for future research in designing MOFs-based photocatalysts.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Huanqi He, Brett M. Wagner, Avery L. Carlson, Cheng Yang, Glen T. Daigger
Summary: The membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) is a novel technology for wastewater treatment, utilizing the counter diffusion of the electron donors and acceptors into the biofilm. The membrane aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) has high oxygen transfer rate and efficiency, promoting microbial growth and activity within the biofilm. Commercial applications of MABR demonstrate its benefits for pollutants removal, resource recovery, and N2O mitigation, with further research needed for optimization and understanding of microbial interactions.
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Raffaele Molinari, Angela Severino, Cristina Lavorato, Pietro Argurio
Summary: Photocatalytic membrane reactors (PMRs) are effective in removing organic pollutants and achieving high-quality treated water. This review analyzes the requirements for a tertiary treatment of sewage wastewater using PMRs and concludes that slurry PMRs are more suitable for such applications. The review aims to drive research on photocatalytic membrane reactors from the laboratory to industry.
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Tian Gao, Shouwu Yu, Haohao Wang, Xiang Zhao, Changmeng Wang, Shujuan Xiao
Summary: By coupling MOFs with photocatalytic activity to separation membranes, the self-cleaning function of the membrane can be realized through the effective catalysis of organic pollutant degradation. This review discusses the influence of MOFs structure on catalytic performance, means to improve catalytic performance, preparation methods of MOFs-based self-cleaning membranes, effects of loading methods on membrane performance, and analyzes the catalytic mechanisms of the coupled membrane system. Finally, it raises the main challenges and future research directions for self-cleaning membranes.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Thi My Hanh Le, Rong Wang, Sermpong Sairiam
Summary: PVDF photocatalytic hollow fiber membranes coated with polydopamine (PDA) and titanium dioxide nano-particles (TiO2) were prepared to improve the long-term stability and performance durability for dye wastewater treatment. The PDA-treated membranes showed resistance to UV radiation, while the PVDF-TiO2 membrane without PDA pretreatment was destroyed after 9 days of continuous UV irradiation. The membranes treated with PDA and TiO2 exhibited significantly increased COD removal rate (above 60%) and stable permeate flux and dye rejection rate after 5 cycles (20 h of operation).
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muhammad Hafizuddin Hazaraimi, Pei Sean Goh, Mahesan Naidu Subramaniam, Mukeshkumar Pandiyan, Nur Diyana Suzaimi, Woei Jye Lau, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail
Summary: The photocatalytic dual-layer hollow fiber membrane demonstrates better dispersion of photocatalysts for maximizing their potential, while the PVDF dual-layer membrane with Ag-TNT incorporation shows effective performance in water treatment, exhibiting high efficiency in biological fouling resistance and pigment degradation through photocatalysis.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Lin Chen, Pei Xu, Huiyao Wang
Summary: Treatment and reuse of produced water, the largest wastewater stream generated during oil and gas production, is a promising option to meet the increasing clean water demands. High-performance treatment technologies, such as the photocatalytic membrane reactor (PMR), are needed to efficiently remove organic and inorganic contaminants in produced water for fit-for-purpose applications. Specific factors such as produced water characteristics, photocatalysts properties, membranes applied, and operating conditions are crucial for the rational design and reliable operation of PMR.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sahar Sakhaie, Fariborz Taghipour
Summary: Photocatalytic membrane reactors offer an effective method for wastewater treatment by combining membrane filtration with photocatalytic activity. This study developed a Zr/TiO2-SiC photocatalytic membrane activated by UV-LED, and established optimum conditions for photocatalytic synthesis and immobilization. The results showed that Zr doping improved photocatalytic activity by over 20%.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Andrew Ashley, Brandon Thrope, Mahbubhoor R. Choudhury, Alexandre H. Pinto
Summary: Photocatalytic membrane reactors (PMRs) are a promising treatment technology for degrading organic compounds in wastewater. TiO2 nanoparticles are the commonly used photocatalyst semiconductor in PMRs, and doping can enhance their visible light absorption. PMR applications have shown high removal efficiency for various contaminants, with potential for further development in photocatalyst and reactor design.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ali Mandel Almusawy, Riyad H. Al-Anbari, Qusay F. Alsalhy, Arshed E. Al-Najar, Enrico Drioli
Summary: This study presents a novel membrane bioreactor that combines an electro bioreactor and moving biomedia to enhance biological treatment and reduce membrane fouling. The addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) decreases pore size and roughness while increasing permeate flux. The integration of biological, membrane, and electrochemical processes reduces membrane fouling. The system demonstrates significant improvement in retention capacity and maintains a stable flux during long-term operation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Ehsan Salehi, Mohammad Khajavian, Nadia Sahebjamee, Maedeh Mahmoudi, Enrico Drioli, Takeshi Matsuura
Summary: This review focuses on the application of different types of nanoparticles (NPs) in chitosan-based membrane adsorbents, including metal-based, carbon-based, non-carbon mineral, and MOFs. The literature survey reveals an increasing interest in non-carbon mineral NPs and the promising use of MOFs as modifiers. The review also discusses the preparation techniques and the effects of NPs inclusion on the chemistry, morphology, adsorption kinetics, and removal capacity of chitosan-based membranes. It provides guidance for researchers in selecting suitable NP modifiers and preparation methods for synthesizing nanocomposite chitosan membrane adsorbents for various applications. The possible interactions between NPs and the polymeric background are also highlighted, contributing to a better understanding of the adsorption mechanisms proposed by the NPs-modified chitosan-based membranes.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Donato, Imen Iben Nasser, Mustapha Majdoub, Enrico Drioli
Summary: Technological progress has made chemistry essential in our daily lives, but the increasing environmental pollution has emphasized the significance of green chemistry. The goal of green chemistry is to produce more and better while reducing resource consumption and emissions, offering a profitable approach to address environmental problems and industrial competitiveness. The concept of green chemistry finds applications in organic, inorganic, and nanomaterial syntheses, including the production of sustainable green polymers and membranes. The combination of green chemistry and molecular imprinting technology is particularly relevant in the production of imprinted materials.
Article
Water Resources
Francesca Macedonio, Mirko Frappa, Omar Bamaga, H. Abulkhair, Eydhah Almatrafi, Mohammad Albeirutty, Elena Tocci, Enrico Drioli
Summary: Among the various technologies, the membrane condenser (MCo) is proposed for the removal and recovery of chemicals. Three different configurations of MCo are compared in this study, and configuration 2 is found to have the lowest energy consumption while maintaining good water and chemicals recovery.
APPLIED WATER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Enrica Fontananova, Elena Tocci, Rund Abu-Zurayk, Valentina Grosso, Carmen Meringolo, Chiara Muzzi, Abeer Al Bawab, Mohammed Rasool Qtaishat, Giovanni De Filpo, Efrem Curcio, Enrico Drioli, Gianluca Di Profio
Summary: This study focuses on the design and development of an environmentally friendly method for preparing stable graphene oxide composite membranes. The results highlight the importance of support chemistry, surface charge, and topography in obtaining composite membranes free from swelling or delamination issues. The developed GO-PAI_CL membrane demonstrates excellent stability in water, saline solutions, and organic solvents, as well as exceptional rejection of organic dyes.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Alessandra Criscuoli, Omar Bamaga, Qian Wang, Zhaoliang Cui, Akram Nahri, Mohammed Albeirutty, Wanqin Jin, Enrico Drioli
Summary: Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are currently the best available technology for municipal and wastewater treatment, but further improvements are needed. Coupling MBRs with high-retention membrane processes may be a solution. This paper presents the main features and commercial development of MBRs, discusses their performance when coupled with reverse osmosis (RO) and membrane distillation (MD) units, and emphasizes the limitations and further research needed for large-scale implementation.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Antonella Piscioneri, Sabrina Morelli, Tiziana Ritacco, Michele Giocondo, Rafael Penaloza, Enrico Drioli, Loredana De Bartolo
Summary: Biomaterial surface modification through the introduction of defined patterns of topography helps study cell behavior in response to geometrical cues. The lithographic molding technique is widely used for conferring biomaterial surface cues and enhancing the performance of biomedical devices. Different topographical features, such as channels, pillars, and pits, were investigated for their effects on different cell types, revealing distinct cell responses and interactions.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Cristina Lavorato, Enrica Fontananova
Summary: Graphene and its derivatives have drawn attention for their antimicrobial and antiviral properties in membrane technology, such as water treatment and air filtration. They are excellent candidates for membrane materials due to their mechanical and chemical stability, as well as their thin 2D nanostructure for advanced separation. This paper provides an overview of graphene-based 2D materials as membrane materials in water treatment and respiratory protection devices.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
M. De Santo, A. Giovinazzo, M. Fava, E. Mazzotta, I. E. De Napoli, M. Greco, A. Comande, A. Nigro, P. Argurio, I. Perrotta, M. Davoli, A. Tagarelli, R. Elliani, T. Granato, G. Nicolini, A. Chiorazzi, S. Semperboni, E. Ballarini, C. Crocamo, G. Cavaletti, D. Lombardo, D. Sisci, C. Morelli, A. Leggio, L. Pasqua
Summary: This study describes a nanodevice based on mesoporous silica that can selectively deliver an antineoplastic drug to multiple myeloma cells with over-expressed folate receptors. The device showed no toxicity to healthy cells in vitro and released the drug in an acidic tumor environment. After suspendability assessment, an injectable formulation was developed that exhibited higher antitumor efficacy and lower toxicity compared to conventional chemotherapy in a mouse model.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mamdouh S. Alharthi, Omar Bamaga, Hani Abulkhair, Husam Organji, Amer Shaiban, Francesca Macedonio, Alessandra Criscuoli, Enrico Drioli, Zhaohui Wang, Zhaoliang Cui, Wanqin Jin, Mohammed Albeirutty
Summary: In this study, the integrated MBBR/MBR/DCMD process showed better removal efficiency of TDS and higher effluent permeate flux compared to the two-step MBR/DCMD process. The proposed membrane processes also outperformed the Jeddah Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant in terms of effluent quality.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chen Wang, Myoung Jun Park, Ralph Rolly Gonzales, Hideto Matsuyama, Enrico Drioli, Ho Kyong Shon
Summary: The study presented the preparation of cross-linked multilayer PEI/GO nanofiltration membrane using inkjet printing assisted layer-by-layer assembly. The (PEI/GO)3 membrane showed the optimal separation performances with high permeability and selectivity. The membrane exhibited excellent rejection rates for different dyes and selectivity for different salts. Furthermore, (PEI/GO)3 membrane demonstrated desirable stability and long-term filtration stability.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fangli Zhang, Wei Hou, Zhonglin Yang, Zhaohui Wang, Rizhi Chen, Enrico Drioli, Xiaozu Wang, Zhaoliang Cui
Summary: This paper proposed a membrane distillation and crystallization (MDCr) process to achieve zero liquid discharge of aniline wastewater. The effects of feed solution temperature and flow rate on the membrane distillation (MD) process were investigated. The results showed that under certain feeding conditions, the MD process had a high flux and salt rejection. The possibility of realizing zero liquid discharge of aniline wastewater in the MDCr process was verified.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Alessandro, Francesca Macedonio, Enrico Drioli
Summary: Water scarcity is a major concern for human sustainability and ecosystem preservation. Seawater desalination, particularly membrane distillation, has emerged as a sustainable solution. However, temperature polarization in membrane distillation leads to a significant reduction in water flux. Plasmonic nanostructures in membranes and the efficient conversion of light into heat offer potential prospects for enhancing solar-driven membrane distillation.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yanyan Ye, Tongyu Li, Yanmei Zhao, Junkuo Liu, Dongwei Lu, Jianqiang Wang, Kai Wang, Yingjie Zhang, Jun Ma, Enrico Drioli, Xiquan Cheng
Summary: In this study, we developed a facile approach to fabricate superhydrophobic polylactic acid (PLA) nanofiber membranes through coaxial electrospinning technology. By incorporating fluorine modified SiO2 clusters and polydimethylsiloxane coatings, the resulting membranes exhibited excellent hydrophobic properties and efficient water droplet removal.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Francesca Alessandro, Francesca Macedonio, Enrico Drioli
Summary: In recent decades, membrane-based processes have been widely used in various industrial processes. Membrane distillation, a thermally driven separation process, allows only vapor molecules to transfer through a microporous hydrophobic membrane. Wetting and temperature polarization negatively affect the performance of membrane distillation, but advanced membranes have been developed to overcome these issues. This review focuses on the basic concepts, membrane properties, and advances in membrane materials associated with membrane distillation. It also discusses the use of photothermal materials for solar-driven membrane distillation applications.
CHEMISTRY-SWITZERLAND
(2023)
