Graphene-based photocatalytic membrane application for the remediation of organic dye pollutants: A review

Abstract

The inadequate elimination of emerging organic contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals and personal care items, presents a substantial risk to water security in treating wastewater and its subsequent discharge into the receiving water bodies or recharging ground water. A practical solution can be found by combining hybrid photocatalytic oxidation with membrane separation technologies. The review examines the crucial process of strengthening photocatalytic membranes by including graphene and its derivatives. Further, it highlights the graphene’s ability to improve anti-fouling properties with increased efficiency of pollutant degradation. An in-depth analysis of the synthesis method and its impact on graphene-based photocatalytic membranes' morphology and photocatalytic characteristics is conducted. In addition to discussing membrane alteration, the review delves into the different elements and complexities involved in optimising filtration performance. Adding a comparison with carbon-based support membranes enhances the overall understating of graphene's importance in the membrane matrix. Economic and life cycle aspects have also been elaborated to gauge the practical viability of these neoteric photoactive membranes. The present article also pinpoints the existing lacuna and lays forward potential solutions that can assist in broader acceptance of these membrane for contaminant remediation. Though development of graphene-based photocatalytic membranes is still in embryonic phase, the review advocates it as a sustainable successor to conventional membrane-based treatment in the future.