Neural network-like CeO2-loaded polyvinylidene fluoride membrane for tri-phase interface catalytic ozonation of antibiotics

A principal challenge in the catalytic ozonation of organic wastewater is the efficient transfer of ozone to the catalyst. In this study, a neural network-like tri-phase membrane was developed by casting CeO 2 and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) onto non-woven fabric (NWF) for catalytic ozonation of sulfamethoxazole (SMZ). The neural network-like structure with abundant pores enhanced ozone transport efficiency. The reaction rate constants for SMZ degradation by CeO 2 -C@PVDF-NWF and CeO 2 -R@PVDF-NWF were 81% and 87% higher, respectively, than those of the corresponding suspension systems. Additionally, the ozone reaction factor and ∙OH exposure of CeO 2 -R@PVDF-NWF increased by 118% and 64%, respectively, compared to PVDF-NWF. Overall, this work provided a novel catalytic system based on the CeO 2 -loaded PVDF-NWF tri-phase interface membranes for pollution control.