Recent advances in mitigating membrane biofouling using carbon-based materials

Yichao Wu; Yinfeng Xia; Xinxin Jing; Peng Cai; Avanthi Deshani Igalavithana; Chuyang Tang; Daniel C W Tsang; Yong Sik Ok

doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.120976

Recent advances in mitigating membrane biofouling using carbon-based materials

J Hazard Mater. 2020 Jan 15:382:120976. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.120976. Epub 2019 Aug 11.

Authors

Yichao Wu¹, Yinfeng Xia², Xinxin Jing¹, Peng Cai¹, Avanthi Deshani Igalavithana³, Chuyang Tang⁴, Daniel C W Tsang⁵, Yong Sik Ok⁶

Affiliations

¹ State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.
² Korea Biochar Research Center, O-Jeong Eco-Resilience Institute (OJERI) & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; College of Water Conservancy & Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Water Resources & Electric Power, Hangzhou, China.
³ Korea Biochar Research Center, O-Jeong Eco-Resilience Institute (OJERI) & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
⁴ Department of Civil Engineering, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China; School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Sydney, NSW, 2033, Australia; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Sydney, NSW, 2033, Australia.
⁵ Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China. Electronic address: dan.tsang@polyu.edu.hk.
⁶ Korea Biochar Research Center, O-Jeong Eco-Resilience Institute (OJERI) & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: yongsikok@korea.ac.kr.

PMID: 31454608
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.120976

Abstract

Biofouling is the Achilles Heel of membrane processes. The accumulation of organic foulants and growth of microorganisms on the membrane surface reduce the permeability, shorten the membrane life, and increase the energy consumption. Advancements in novel carbon-based materials (CBMs) present significant opportunities in mitigating biofouling of membrane processes. This article provides a comprehensive review of the recent progress in the application of CBMs in antibiofouling membrane. It starts with a detailed summary of the different antibiofouling mechanisms of CBM-containing membrane systems. Next, developments in membrane modification using CBMs, especially carbon nanotubes and graphene family materials, are critically reviewed. Further, the antibiofouling potential of next-generation carbon-based membranes is surveyed. Finally, the current problems and future opportunities of applying CBMs for antibiofouling membranes are discussed.

Keywords: Biochar; Biofilm; Biofouling; Carbon nanotube; Carbon-based materials; Graphene.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Biofouling / prevention & control*
Carbon*
Membranes, Artificial*

Substances

Membranes, Artificial
Carbon