Piezoelectrics in advancing water treatment: exploring self-cleaning potential of BCTZ membranes in preliminary evaluation

Microfiltration (MF) membranes play a pivotal role in recycling water from food industry wastewater, but their efficiency is hampered by membrane fouling—a buildup of impurities that diminishes permeability. Ceramic membranes (CMs) surpass polymeric counterparts in durability and lifespan, despite their higher cost. To gain their full potential, enhancing the antifouling performance of CMs is crucial. Among CMs, self-cleaning piezoelectric technology stands out, demonstrating promising antifouling/defouling capabilities. The SELWA project, funded by NextGenerationEU - European Union, focuses on developing porous lead-free piezoelectric ceramics (BCTZ system) for microfiltration of wastewater. This work presents initial findings on the intricate processes involved, correlating them with microstructure and ferroelectric properties. It explores challenges in transitioning from bulk to porous structures, emphasizing the importance of ferroelectric and surface properties in membrane devices.