Electro-Assisted Ultrafiltration Membrane: Simultaneous Tetracycline Removal and Fouling Mitigation

Ultrafiltration (UF) membranes face limitations in tackling fouling and emerging contaminants, such as antibiotics, to ensure safe and sustainable water reuse. Electroconductive membranes (ECMs) offer a dual advantage by integrating filtration and contaminant degradation within a single setup. This study presents a novel UF ECM fabricated using poly(ether sulfone) and laser-induced graphene for efficient antibiotics removal and organic fouling remediation. The membrane performance was systematically investigated using operating parameters such as applied potential, electrolyte concentration, feed pH, and wastewater matrix. The membranes demonstrated high permeability and achieved over 90% tetracycline (TC) removal in permeate under an applied potential of 2.5 V. Total organic carbon (TOC) removal reached approximately 40% within 60 min of operation in the feed. Chromatographic analyses confirmed the degradation byproducts, while scavenging experiments identified superoxide radicals (O2•–) as key reactive species accelerating the removal process. Under cathodic potential, the membrane resisted fouling, significantly reducing flux decline from ∼37% to negligible levels due to foulant and membrane surface electrostatic interactions. Furthermore, these membranes simultaneously removed ∼90% of TC and inhibited fouling, demonstrating high effectiveness as UF membranes. Performance consistency was validated across different water matrixes, confirming the membrane’s applicability in real-world conditions. With its high antibiotic removal efficiency and antifouling capabilities, fabricated ECMs offer promising solutions for simultaneous antibiotic remediation and fouling mitigation in water treatment, enhancing water safety and enabling direct reuse.