Advanced ceramic membranes: Novel strategies for sulfamethoxazole removal in wastewater treatment

Ceramic membranes (CMs) demonstrated significant potential in removing sulfamethoxazole (SMX) from wastewater due to their superior properties to conventional polymeric membranes, including chemical and thermal stability, fouling resistance, and extended operational lifespan. However, conventional CMs were ineffective in removing SMX from wastewater, which led to the development of advanced CMs, utilizing catalysts and hybrid membranes to enhance wastewater treatment performance, particularly for SMX removal. This review critically examined the advancements in catalytic CMs, focusing on those activated by peroxymonosulfate, which showed remarkable efficacy in industrial and hospital wastewater treatment. It also explored the development of novel ceramic materials, advanced activation techniques, and integration of CMs with other treatment technologies. Significant benefits, such as robust mechanical properties and self-cleaning capabilities, rendered these membranes ideal for complex wastewater treatment scenarios. Furthermore, the ceramic membrane market was growing rapidly, with declining costs and long-term economic efficiency; however, challenges remained in ensuring economic feasibility and addressing potential nano- and micro-pollutant emissions. Optimizing catalytic activity, enhancing material durability, reducing operational costs, and conducting comprehensive studies on long-term performance, scalability, and environmental impacts were necessary. Moreover, these membranes' practical applicability and effectiveness needed validation through extensive case studies and large-scale pilot projects to improve the sustainability and efficiency of wastewater treatment solutions, addressing existing challenges while fostering continuous innovation in the field.