ABSTRACT
Electrically conductive membranes operate as dual function membrane electrodes, in which application of an electric field at the separation interface between the membrane and feed helps mitigate fouling and related phenomena. Electrically conductive membranes employ different mechanisms for fouling control when an electric field is applied: electrostatic repulsion, physical sweeping through bubble generation during redox reactions, direct oxidation, or the formation of oxidizing agents. Novel membrane materials, fabrication methods, and varying response to electric fields have allowed such membranes to be applied to a range of applications in water purification using membrane technology. Membranes have been developed for mitigation of fouling in brackish/seawater desalination, removal of organic contaminants, microbial decontamination, oil and water separation, and removal of toxic metals. The ability to tailor the electrical conductivity of membrane materials without compromising flux and rejection is one of the biggest challenges of developing electrically conducting membranes.
