Dynamic Model for Piezoelectric Membrane Transition from Dead-End to Crossflow Ultrafiltration

Piezoelectric membranes present a promising solution for mitigating fouling in ultrafiltration (UF) processes, yet theoretical analysis of fouling dynamics under the process remains limited. A pressure-dependent transient resistance model including the effect of electrokinetic phenomena from the piezoelectric theory is proposed to capture the fouling resistance and flux decline trends by ceramic piezoelectric membranes under both dead-end and crossflow UF processes. A notable reduction in resistance growth and flux decline was predicted under the crossflow configuration compared to the dead-end configuration, attributed to the combined effects of enhanced electrophoretic migration and convective forces generated by flow turbulence in crossflow systems. Reduced irreversible fouling accumulation is revealed in latter filtration periods under crossflow configurations, while lower pressure conditions limit stress variations and electric field strengths due to nonuniform pressure profiles. Such model and findings offer a comprehensive theoretical understanding of the antifouling capabilities and the optimization in performances by piezoelectric membranes.