#HKBU #Wastewater Treatment #catalytic membrane

Revolutionary Catalytic Membrane by HKBU Improves Water Purification

A research team at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), led by Professor Zhao Jun from the Department of Biology, has made significant strides in environmental science with the development of a novel catalytic membrane. This breakthrough technology promises to enhance the efficiency of wastewater treatment processes, specifically through a modified advanced oxidation process (AOP). This innovation addresses critical water pollution issues by providing a safer, more economical, and eco-friendly solution for wastewater cleaning.

Addressing Water Pollution Challenges

Water pollution poses a severe threat to global health, with phenolic compounds being a key group of contaminants. These substances are commonly found in industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and municipal sewage. They persist in the environment, leading to accumulation in living organisms and submitting risks to human health. Traditional methods of treating phenolic pollutants typically rely on hazardous chemicals and energy-intensive processes.

Advanced oxidation processes have emerged over recent decades as effective methods for removing these harmful substances from water by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) capable of breaking them down. Among these, singlet oxygen (1O2) is known for its efficiency in targeting phenolic compounds. However, existing methods face challenges due to high costs and less environmentally friendly catalysts that require strong oxidants. Furthermore, the low solubility of molecular oxygen in water limits its transfer during treatment processes.

The NGCF-OV Membrane

In response to these challenges, the research team at HKBU developed a revolutionary new catalytic membrane called