Multi-dimensional fouling process analysis and anti-fouling strategies for catalytic membranes in long-term water treatment.

Catalytic membrane fouling remains a key scientific issue that limits its long-term utilization in practice. This study investigated the fouling issues of catalytic membranes during the degradation of organic pollutants in river water, with a focus on the fouling mechanisms of catalytic membranes due to ion mineralization, organic matter accumulation, and microbial adhesion. We aimed to explore the multi-dimensional fouling processes and anti-fouling mechanisms of catalytic membranes, by embedding Ni-doped AgFeO into protonic acid-modified polyaniline (PANI) to comprehensively enhance the membrane's anti-fouling properties. Long-term fouling tracking experiments indicated that the conductive network formed by PANI not only enhanced electron transfer but also disrupted the hydrolytic equilibrium of impurity ions on the catalytic membrane surface, demonstrating multiple anti-fouling effects, and Ag-based active sites also effectively inhibited bacterial proliferation. Besides efficient anti fouling, the membrane achieved 100 % degradation of 10 mg/L bisphenol A within 50 min and removed over 58 % of total organic carbon (TOC) during a 21-day continuous river water purification experiment. Furthermore, regeneration methods for the catalytic membrane were evaluated, and its anti-fouling mechanisms were analyzed in terms of resistance to organic contaminants, ion interference mitigation, and antibacterial performance. Finally, the fouling state on the membrane surface during river water purification experiments was tracked, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms of membrane fouling formation and membrane regeneration.