Electro-driven multi-functional catalysis separation membrane reactor with switchable wettability for efficient water purification

Abstract

The fragility, fouling and dull wettability of membrane materials greatly limit their widespread applications. Herein, inspired by the natural activation of nitrogen in soil by lightning, an electrically driven flow-through catalysis separation membrane reactor (CSMR) with switchable wettability is developed. Catalytically active centers and responsive switches can be firmly assembled on the membrane reactor with the support of MOFs to provide catalytic and wettability modulation functions. Remarkably, the wettability of the membrane reactor can transition from superhydrophobic to superhydrophilic states in a mere 10 s under applied voltage. It achieves the efficient separation of various oil–water mixtures (oil–water separation efficiency above 99%) and electrocatalytic oxidation degradation (over 95% catalytic efficiency and flux above 4500 L m⁻² h⁻¹). The design of this multifunctional intelligent membrane reaction provides a scheme for the green and efficient treatment of actual wastewater, which may have broad potential in the construction and design of smart materials and electronic devices.