Chapter 2: Catalytic Membranes for Aqueous Contaminant Degradation and Separation

Owing to severe water pollution problems and intrinsic disadvantages of separation membranes, a catalytic membrane that realizes reaction–separation coupling and catalyst reuse becomes an increasing research hotspot in water treatment as it can improve both catalytic and separation efficiency, enhance contaminant removal, and alleviate membrane fouling. In recent years, many investigations have been reported on catalytic membrane preparation for the removal of aqueous contaminants. In this chapter, we briefly introduce the basic principles of different types of catalytic membranes (e.g., traditional oxidative catalytic membranes, photocatalytic membranes, electro-catalytic membranes, and bio-catalytic membranes) for contaminant removal, and summarize recent progress in membrane materials and preparation methods, as well as their applications in various contaminants’ removal. Perspectives on future research for catalytic membrane are also provided.