MOFs-based photocatalytic self-cleaning membranes for highly efficient wastewater treatment: A review

Membrane fouling caused by the attachment of contaminants can seriously impair the performance of separation membranes. MOFs often show the characteristics of good compatibility with polymers, abundant functional groups, and high catalytic activity. By coupling MOFs with photocatalytic activity to separation membranes, which can effectively catalyze the degradation of organic pollutants, thereby realizing the self-cleaning function of the membrane. In this review, the influence of the structure of MOFs on the catalytic performance and the means to improve the catalytic performance are discussed. The preparation methods of MOFs-based self-cleaning membranes and the effects of loading methods on membrane performance are summarized. The catalytic mechanisms of the coupled membrane system are analyzed. As a final point, the main challenges and future research directions for self-cleaning membranes are raised.