Enhancing the performance of Fenton-like oxidation by a dual-layer membrane: A sequential interception-oxidation...

Fenton-like oxidation for multicomponent wastewater treatment suffers from a low efficiency due to non-selective nature of produced reactive species. In this study, a multifunctional dual-layer ultrafiltration membrane (Seq-ICM) was synthesized for multiple pollutants decontamination. Characterizations of the membranes indicate that Seq-ICM comprises a skin layer for ultrafiltration, and a porous support layer loaded with ∼50% MIL-53(Fe) for catalysis. With bovine serum albumin coexisting, Seq-ICM can remove 75.7% bisphenol S (BPS), which is much higher than that of a simultaneous interception-catalysis membrane (44.2 %). For multicomponent wastewater treatment, Seq-ICM system can save ∼59%-67% oxidant dosage as well compared with catalysis alone membrane system to achieve 50% BPS removal. Furthermore, the decontamination mechanisms were investigated to explain the advantages of Seq-ICM. Sequential interception and oxidation process by Seq-ICM leads to the interception of macromolecular substances first, following by catalytic oxidation of low-molecular-weight organics. This process prevents macromolecular substances from competing for active species with low-molecular-weight organics, thereby enhancing selectivity and oxidation efficiency. Meanwhile, Seq-ICM shows satisfactory BPS removal efficiency for treatment of 2865 L/m² synthetic solution, as well as in real wastewater matrix. We believe the proposed technology based on a composite membrane is promising for the removal of multicomponent substances from wastewater.