Electron Beam Radiation Induced-Polymerization for Improving Membrane Separation Performance: A Novel Wastewater Treatment Technology

Herein a novel advanced wastewater treatment process based on electron beam radiation-induced polymerization was developed. During the radiation process of phenol-containing wastewater, polymerization products of high molecular weight (MW) were formed, and their distribution could be regulated by the absorbed doses. Chloride and sulfate ions decreased the proportion of ≥5000 Da products and increased the proportion of ≤100 Da. At acidic conditions, the MW distribution was dominated by ≤100 Da, 100–500 Da, and 500–5000 Da; at alkaline conditions, by ≤100 and 100–500 Da; and at neutral conditions, by ≤100 Da, 100–500 Da, 500–5000 Da, and ≥5000 Da. Gel permeation chromatography and Fourier-transform mass spectrometry confirmed the formation of hydrophobic polymers through phenol and its polymerization products, which were induced by HO•. The process was validated in actual coking and dyeing wastewater, where polymerization enhanced the removal efficiency of UF, NF, and RO. This electron beam radiation-induced polymerization could decrease the absorbed dose required for complete degradation of organic pollutants and reduce carbon dioxide emission compared to traditional advanced oxidation processes, offering a promising solution for the treatment of refractory industrial wastewater.