Hybrid of photoelectrocatalysis and membrane processes as an efficient combination in pollutant removal from wastewaters: A review

Membrane separation and photoelectrocatalysis (PEC), as efficient methods for wastewater treatment, can effectively remove various chemical contaminants. However, these processes have some limitations for example insufficient degradation of dissolved organic pollutants by PEC and fouling of membrane. This review comprehensively summarizes recent progress in hybrid PEC-membrane technique, particularly focusing on their synergistic mechanisms, membrane functions beyond filtration, and performance optimization strategies. Three key PEC/RO configurations are discussed, including post-treatment of RO permeate, treatment of RO concentrate, and RO-assisted recycling of undegraded pollutants. Moreover, various PEC/UF reactor designs are reviewed, demonstrating improved removal efficiencies of dyes, drugs, and salinity under optimized conditions. The role of ion exchange membranes (IEMs) in enhancing ion selectivity, charge separation, and contaminant transport is also highlighted, including novel bipolar and sandwich-type membrane architectures. These engineering innovations underscore the versatility and scalability of PEC-membrane hybrids and offer insight into next-generation sustainable water treatment technologies. Remaining challenges such as scale-up limitations, membrane durability, and flux recovery are also addressed to guide future development.