Advanced electrically conductive carbon nanotubes-PVDF composite membranes with electro-promoted water treatment performance

作者：Yongke Zhang, Jiajian Xing, Gaoliang Wei, Linhua Rao, G. He, Hao Du, Haiguang Zhang, Xu Wang, Shuo Chen, Xie Quan · 发表于：Nature Communications · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1038/s41467-025-66260-3 · 被引用次数：12 · 研究领域：Membrane Separation Technologies、Nanopore and Nanochannel Transport Studies、Solar-Powered Water Purification Methods

Decentralized water supply is essential for providing clean and safe drinking water, especially in underdeveloped regions. Membrane technology is a key process for removing pathogens and suspended solids from polluted water sources. This study constructs electrically conductive membranes (ECMs) using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) confined within polarized poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) through C-F interactions. The resulting membranes achieve ultrahigh water permeance, 3.5 to 5.2 times higher than four commercial polymer membranes with similar pore sizes. They maintain good electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. Applying a weak negative potential induces electrostatic repulsion between the ECMs and foulants, enhancing antifouling performance by over 10 times in terms of backwashing interval compared to conventional polymer membranes. A demonstration project confirms the feasibility of industrial-scale production with a capacity of 11.5 m2 h−1, corresponding to an annual yield of approximately 100,000 m². Another field demonstration for drinking water treatment, with a capacity of 300 m3 day−1, shows improved effluent quality, 53% energy savings, and 95% cost reduction for chemical cleaning compared to conventional processes. This study provides a cost-effective and efficient solution for addressing drinking water security challenges in underdeveloped regions through the enhanced performance of CNTs-PVDF ECMs. Access to clean water is crucial, especially in underdevelope...