Progress of applied research on TiO2 photocatalysis-membrane separation coupling technology in water and wastewater treatments

Photocatalysis-membrane separation coupling technology has been a heavily researched area in water and wastewater treatment during recent years. The membrane separation process allows the photocatalyst to be easily separated, recovered and reused. More significantly, the membrane is efficient to maintain high flux of membranes as the photocatalyst can reduce the membrane fouling problem which is a hindrance in the development of membrane process. Moreover, some synergistic effects can also be produced, and thus the efficiency of water treatment is enhanced greatly. A comprehensive review of photocatalysis-membrane separation coupling technology is conducted with an insight into its configurations, theories involved, characteristics, and factors that influence the coupling technology. In view of the existing problems, the prospects for future development are also proposed.