Monolithic Ceramic CoTiO₃/TiO₂ Membrane Balancing Catalytic Efficiency and Durability in Advanced Oxidation Processes

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Membrane-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are effective for degrading persistent organic pollutants.
• A key challenge is the trade-off between catalytic efficiency and membrane durability.
• Leaching of catalytic components and radical corrosion limit long-term performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a stable monolithic ceramic membrane overcoming the efficiency-durability trade-off in AOPs.
• To enhance peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation and prevent catalyst leaching.
• To provide a scalable solution for advanced wastewater treatment.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a monolithic ceramic membrane with an integrated CoTiO3/TiO2 interface.
• Investigated catalyst distribution using finite element analysis.
• Evaluated catalytic performance and stability using bisphenol A degradation and prolonged PMS exposure tests.

Main Results:

• The CoTiO3/TiO2 interface enhanced PMS activation and prevented Co2+ leaching.
• Achieved 99% bisphenol A removal within 25 seconds.
• Maintained structural integrity during 120 hours of operation in reactive PMS environments.

Conclusions:

• The developed membrane design successfully balances catalytic efficiency and durability.
• Optimized catalyst distribution enhances PMS utilization and minimizes radical corrosion.
• This stable membrane offers a promising and scalable technology for treating persistent organic pollutants in wastewater.