Carbon-based catalytic membranes for the removal of organic pollutants from water using persulfate advanced oxidation technology: A review

Abstract

Based on the unique structural characteristics and excellent catalytic performance of carbon-based materials, carbon-based catalytic membranes hold considerable potential for application in the treatment of wastewater using persulfate (PS) oxidation technology. Compared to traditional membrane filtration or advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), the strategy of activating PS with carbon-based catalytic membranes demonstrates significant advantages, especially in enhancing reaction efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing secondary pollution. However, there is currently a lack of systematic summary regarding the degradation of pollutants in the PS activation system by carbon-based catalytic membranes. Herein, we reviewed the latest research progress in this field. Firstly, we discussed the positive role of carbon-based catalytic membranes in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within PS system, capitalizing on the tunable functionality, controllable interlayer spacing, and porous architecture of carbon materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes. Subsequently, we expounded on the degradation mechanism of the carbon-based catalytic membrane/PS system from three aspects: radical domination, non-radical domination, and the combined control of both radical and non-radical pathways. It is noteworthy that the nanoconfinement effect augments the ROS yield and mass transfer efficiency within the system, thereby accelerating the efficient degradation of pollutants. Finally, we summarize the practical applications of the carbon-based catalytic membrane/PS system in the removal of organic pollutants from water and offer perspectives on future research directions.