PVDF@CoFe2O4 nanoconfined catalytic membrane for natural surface water treatment: Efficient NOM degradation and membrane fouling mitigation

Membrane fouling represents a substantial barrier to the progress of ultrafiltration membranes. The catalytic membrane integrates ultrafiltration with advanced oxidation processes; this provides an efficient solution to mitigate membrane fouling. In this study, CoFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles were integrated into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to develop a novel composite ultrafiltration membrane (PVDF@CoFe 2 O 4 ). The chemical composition, surface morphology, filtration performance, and catalytic ability of the synthesized PVDF@CoFe 2 O 4 membranes were systematically assessed. The hydrophilicity of the PVDF@CoFe 2 O 4 membrane was enhanced, and its water flux increased by up to 1.4 times using CoFe 2 O 4 doping. The PVDF@CoFe 2 O 4 membrane demonstrated the lowest degree of irreversible fouling and superior stability. In the presence of peroxomonosulfate (PMS), the 2.5 wt% PVDF@CoFe 2 O 4 membrane achieved a norfloxacin (NOR) removal efficiency of 82.5 % within 120 min; this value significantly exceeded the 17.82 % efficiency recorded for the pristine PVDF membrane. The synergistic effect of SO₄ •- and •OH led to the conversion of natural organic matter (NOM) into smaller molecules following oxidation, thereby enhancing the antifouling performance of the membrane. These findings provide a promising approach for mitigating NOM-induced membrane fouling in natural surface water.