Recent Advancement in Emerging MXene-Based Photocatalytic Membrane for Revolutionizing Wastewater Treatment.

MXene-based photocatalytic membranes provide significant benefits for wastewater treatment by effectively combining membrane separation and photocatalytic degradation processes. MXene represents a pioneering 2D photocatalyst with a variable elemental composition, substantial surface area, abundant surface terminations, and exceptional photoelectric performance, offering significant advantages in producing high-performance photocatalytic membranes. In this review, an in-depth overview of the latest scientific progress in MXene-based photocatalytic membranes is provided. Initially, a brief introduction to the structure and photocatalytic capabilities of MXene is provided, highlighting their pivotal role in promoting the photocatalytic process. Subsequently, in pursuit of the optimal MXene-based photocatalytic membrane, critical factors such as the morphology, hydrophilicity, and stability of MXenes are meticulously taken into account. Various preparation strategies for MXene-based photocatalytic membranes, including blending, vacuum filtration, and dip coating, are also discussed. Furthermore, the application and mechanism of MXene-based photocatalytic membranes in micropollutant removal, oil-water separation, and antibacterial are examined. Lastly, the challenges in the development and practical application of MXene-based photocatalytic membranes, as well as their future research direction are delineated.

Innovative treatment of industrial effluents through combining ferric iron and attapulgite application.

The escalation of industrial activities has escalated the production of pharmaceutical and dyeing effluents, raising significant environmental issues. In this investigation, a hybrid approach of Fenton-like reactions and adsorption was used for deep treatment of these effluents, focusing on effects of variables like hydrogen peroxide concentration, catalyst type, pH, reaction duration, temperature, and adsorbent quantity on treatment effectiveness, and the efficacy of acid-modified attapulgite (AMATP) and ferric iron (Fe(III))-loaded AMATP (Fe(III)-AMATP) was examined. Optimal operational conditions were determined, and the possibility of reusing the catalysts was explored. Employing Fe3O4 as a heterogeneous catalyst and AMATP for adsorption, CODCr was reduced by 78.38-79.14%, total nitrogen by 71.53-77.43%, and phosphorus by 97.74-98.10% in pharmaceutical effluents. Similarly, for dyeing effluents, Fe(III)-AMATP achieved 79.87-80.94% CODCr, 68.59-70.93% total nitrogen, and 79.31-83.33% phosphorus reduction. Regeneration experiments revealed that Fe3O4 maintained 59.48% efficiency over three cycles, and Fe(III)-AMATP maintained 62.47% efficiency over four cycles. This work offers an economical, hybrid approach for effective pharmaceutical and dyeing effluent treatment, with broad application potential.

Durable Nano-Flower Structured Foam Coupled with Electrically-Driven in Situ Aeration Enable High-Flux Oil/Water Emulsion Separation with Dynamic Antifouling Ability.

The conventional membranes used for separating oil/water emulsions are typically limited by the properties of the membrane materials and the impact of membrane fouling, making continuous long-term usage unachievable. In this study, a filtering electrode with synchronous self-cleaning functionality is devised, exhibiting notable antifouling ability and an extended operational lifespan, suitable for the continuous separation of oil/water emulsions. Compared with the original Ti foam, the in situ growth of NiTi-LDH (Layered double hydroxide) nano-flowers endows the modified Ti foam (NiTi-LDH/TF) with exceptional superhydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobicity. Driven by gravity, a rejection rate of over 99% is achieved for various emulsions containing oil content ranging from 1% to 50%, as well as oil/seawater emulsions. The flux recovery rate exceeds 90% after one hundred cycles and a 4-h filtration period. The enhanced separation performance is realized through the "gas bridge" effect during in situ aeration and electrochemical anodic oxidation. The internal aeration within the membrane pores contributes to the removal of oil foulants. This study underscores the potential of coupling foam metal filtration materials with electrochemical technology, providing a paradigm for the exploration of novel oil/water separation membranes.

An efficient solution based on the synergistic effects of nickel foam in NiFe-LDH nanosheets for oil/water separation.

Efficient oil-water separation has always been a research hotspot in the field of environmental studies. Employing a one-step hydrothermal approach, NiFe-layered double hydroxides (LDH) nanosheets were synthesized on nickel foam substrates. The resulting NiFe-LDH/NF membrane exhibited rejection rates exceeding 99% across six diverse oil-water mixtures, concurrently demonstrating a remarkable ultra-high flux of 1.4 × 106 L·m-2·h-1. This flux value significantly surpasses those documented in existing literature, maintaining stable performance over 1000 manual filtration cycles. These breakthroughs stem from the synergistic interplay among the three-dimensional channels of the nickel foam, the nanosheets, and the hydration layer. By leveraging the pore size of the foam to enhance the functionality of the hydration layer, the conventional trade-off between permeability and selectivity was transformed into a balanced force relationship between the hydration layer and the oil phase. The operational and failure mechanisms of the hydration layer were examined using the prepared NiFe-LDH/NF membrane, validating the correlation between oil phase viscosity and density with hydration layer rupture. Additionally, an extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (XDLVO) theory was employed to investigate changes in interaction energy, further reinforcing the study's findings. This research contributes novel insights and assistance to the comprehension and application of hydration layers in other membrane studies dedicated to oil-water separation.

Hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks for membrane separation.

Hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) are a new class of crystalline porous materials that are formed through the interconnection of organic or metal-organic building units via intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The remarkable flexibility and reversibility of hydrogen bonds, coupled with the customizable nature of organic units, endow HOFs with mild synthesis conditions, high crystallinity, solvent processability, and facile self-healing and regeneration properties. Consequently, these features have garnered significant attention across various fields, particularly in the realm of membrane separation. Herein, we present an overview of the recent advances in HOF-based membranes, including their advanced fabrication strategies and fascinating applications in membrane separation. To attain the desired HOF-based membranes, careful consideration is dedicated to crucial factors such as pore size, stability, hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, and surface charge of the HOFs. Additionally, diverse preparation methods for HOF-based membranes, including blending, in situ growth, solution-processing, and electrophoretic deposition, have been analyzed. Furthermore, applications of HOF-based membranes in gas separation, water treatment, fuel cells, and other emerging application areas are presented. Finally, the challenges and prospects of HOF-based membranes are critically pointed out.

Novel combination of iron-carbon composite and Fenton oxidation processes for high-concentration antibiotic wastewater treatment.

The research presented herein explores the development of a novel iron-carbon composite, designed specifically for the improved treatment of high-concentration antibiotic wastewater. Employing a nitrogen-shielded thermal calcination approach, the investigation utilizes a blend of reductive iron powder, activated carbon, bentonite, copper powder, manganese dioxide, and ferric oxide to formulate an efficient iron-carbon composite. The oxygen exclusion process in iron-carbon particles results in distinctive electrochemical cells formation, markedly enhancing wastewater degradation efficiency. Iron-carbon micro-electrolysis not only boosts the biochemical degradability of concentrated antibiotic wastewater but also mitigates acute biological toxicity. In response to the increased Fe2+ levels found in micro-electrolysis wastewater, this research incorporates Fenton oxidation for advanced treatment of the micro-electrolysis byproducts. Through the synergistic application of iron-carbon micro-electrolysis and Fenton oxidation, this research accomplishes a significant decrease in the initial COD levels of high-concentration antibiotic wastewater, reducing them from 90,000 mg/L to about 30,000 mg/L, thus achieving an impressive removal efficiency of 66.9%. This integrated methodology effectively reduces the pollutant load, and the recycling of Fe2+ in the Fenton process additionally contributes to the reduction in both the volume and cost associated with solid waste treatment. This research underscores the considerable potential of the iron-carbon composite material in efficiently managing high-concentration antibiotic wastewater, thereby making a notable contribution to the field of environmental science.

New directions on membranes for removal and degradation of emerging pollutants in aqueous systems.

Emerging pollutants (EPs) refer to a group of non-regulated chemical or biological substances that have been recently introduced or detected in the environment. These pollutants tend to exhibit resistance to conventional treatment methods and can persist in the environment for prolonged periods, posing potential adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. As we enter a new era of managing these pollutants, membrane-based technologies hold significant promise in mitigating impact of EPs on the environment and safeguarding human health due to their high selectivity, efficiency, cost-effectiveness and capability for simultaneous separation and degradation. Moreover, these technologies continue to evolve rapidly with the development of new membrane materials and functionalities, advanced treatment strategies, and analyses for effectively treating EPs of more recent concerns. The objective of this review is to present the latest directions and advancements in membrane-based technologies for addressing EPs. By highlighting the progress in this field, we aim to share valuable perspectives with researchers and contribute to the development of future directions in sustainable treatments for EPs.

Thiol-Ene Click Reaction in Constructing Liquid Separation Membranes for Water Treatment.

In the evolving landscape of water treatment, membrane technology has ascended to an instrumental role, underscored by its unmatched efficacy and ubiquity. Diverse synthesis and modification techniques are employed to fabricate state-of-the-art liquid separation membranes. Click reactions, distinguished by their rapid kinetics, minimal byproduct generation, and simple reaction condition, emerge as a potent paradigm for devising eco-functional materials. While the metal-free thiol-ene click reaction is acknowledged as a viable approach for membrane material innovation, a systematic elucidation of its applicability in liquid separation membrane development remains conspicuously absent. This review elucidates the pre-functionalization strategies of substrate materials tailored for thiol-ene reactions, notably highlighting thiolation and introducing unsaturated moieties. The consequential implications of thiol-ene reactions on membrane properties-including trade-off effect, surface wettability, and antifouling property-are discussed. The application of thiol-ene reaction in fabricating various liquid separation membranes for different water treatment processes, including wastewater treatment, oil/water separation, and ion separation, are reviewed. Finally, the prospects of thiol-ene reaction in designing novel liquid separation membrane, including pre-functionalization, products prediction, and solute-solute separation membrane, are proposed. This review endeavors to furnish invaluable insights, paving the way for expanding the horizons of thiol-ene reaction application in liquid separation membrane fabrication.

Atomically dispersed dual-atom catalysts: A new rising star in environmental remediation.

Single-atom catalysts, characterized by individual metal atoms as active centers, have emerged as promising candidates owing to their remarkable catalytic efficiency, maximum atomic utilization efficiency, and robust stability. However, the limitation of single-atom catalysts lies in their inability to cater to multistep reactions using a solitary active site. Introducing an additional metal atom can amplify the number of active sites, modulate the electronic structure, bolster adsorption ability, and enable a gamut of core reactions, thus augmenting their catalytic prowess. As such, dual-atom catalysts have risen to prominence. However, a comprehensive review elucidating the realm of dual-atom catalysts in environmental remediation is currently lacking. This review endeavors to bridge this gap, starting with a discourse on immobilization techniques for dual-atom catalysts, which includes configurations such as adjacent atoms, bridged atoms, and co-facially separated atoms. The review then delves into the intrinsic activity mechanisms of these catalysts, elucidating aspects like adsorption dynamics, electronic regulation, and synergistic effects. Following this, a comprehensive summarization of dual-atom catalysts for environmental applications is provided, spanning electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and Fenton-like reactions. Finally, the existing challenges and opportunities in the field of dual-atom catalysts are extensively discussed. This work aims to be a beacon, illuminating the path towards the evolution and adoption of dual-atom catalysts in environmental remediation.

Mxenes for membrane separation: from fabrication strategies to advanced applications.

Transition metal carbides/nitrides/carbonitrides, commonly referred to as MXenes, have gained widespread attention since their discovery in 2011 as a promising family of two-dimensional (2D) materials. Their impressive chemical, electrical, thermal, mechanical, and biological properties have fueled a surge in research focused on the synthesis and application of MXenes in various fields, including membrane-based separation. By engineering the materials and membrane structures, MXene-based membranes have demonstrated remarkable separation performance and added functionalities, such as antifouling and photocatalytic properties. In this review, we aim to have a timely and critical review of research on their fabrication strategy and performance in advanced molecular separation and ion exchange, beginning with a brief introduction of the preparation and physicochemical properties of MXenes. Finally, outlooks and future works are outlined with the aims to provide valuable insights and guidance for advancing membranes' applications in different separation domains.

MOF-Based Photocatalytic Membrane for Water Purification: A Review.

Photocatalytic membranes can effectively integrate membrane separation and photocatalytic degradation processes to provide an eco-friendly solution for efficient water purification. It is of great significance to develop highly efficient photocatalytic membranes driven by visible light to ensure the long-term stability of membrane separation systems and the maximum utilization of solar energy. Metal-organic framework (MOF) is an emerging photocatalyst with a well-defined structure and tunable chemical properties, showing a broad application prospect in the construction of high-performance photocatalytic membranes. Herein, this work provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in MOF-based photocatalytic membranes. Initially, this work outlines the main tailoring strategies that facilitate the enhancement of the photocatalytic activity of MOF-based photocatalysts. Next, this work introduces commonly used methods for fabricating MOF-based photocatalytic membranes. Subsequently, this work discusses the application and mechanisms of MOF-based photocatalytic membranes toward organic pollutant degradation, metal ion removal, and membrane fouling mitigation. Finally, challenges in developing MOF-based photocatalytic membranes and their practical applications are presented, while also pointing out future research directions toward overcoming these existing limitations.

Assembling 99% MOFs into Bioinspired Rigid-Flexible Coupled Membrane with Significant Permeability: The Impacts of Defects.

Assembling metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into high-performance macroscopic membranes is crucial but still challenging. MOF-containing hybrid membranes can effectively integrate the advantages of flexible guest materials and MOFs. Nevertheless, the inherent limitations in fully harnessing the distinct characteristics of MOFs persist due to the substantial guest material content necessitated in membrane fabrication. Herein, inspired by the rigid and flexible structures in biological systems, rigid MIP-202(Zr) and defective MIP-202(Zr) (D-MIP-202(Zr)) modified flexible graphene oxide (GO) sheets are synthesized in situ and then assembled into a rigid-flexible coupled MOF-based membrane. The defects in D-MIP-202(Zr) are introduced by using acetic acid as the modulation agent. The obtained GO@MIP-202(Zr) membrane possesses a hierarchical porous structure with a 99 wt% MOF proportion, which is higher than the GO@D-MIP-202(Zr) (75 wt%) membrane with a compact bulge-structured surface. The water permeability of the GO@MIP-202(Zr) membrane attains remarkedly 5762.92 L h-1 m-2 bar-1 , which is 960 and 2.6 times higher than that of the GO membrane and GO@D-MIP-202(Zr) membrane. Additionally, benefiting from the superhydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobicity, the resultant membrane not only demonstrates high rejection for oil-water emulsions but also exhibits exceptional recyclability and anti-fouling ability. These findings provide valuable insights into the assembly of MOFs into high-performance membranes.

Molecular oxygen activation: Innovative techniques for environmental remediation.

Molecular oxygen as a green, non-toxic, and inexpensive oxidant has displayed numerous advantages compared with other oxidants for more sustainable and environmentally benign pollutant degradation. Molecular oxygen activation stands as a groundbreaking approach in advanced oxidation processes, offering efficient environmental remediation with minimal environmental impact with the production of high-oxidation reactive oxygen species (ROS). The adaptability and energy efficiency of molecular oxygen activation significantly contribute to the progression of sustainable water remediation technologies. This review meticulously explores the principles and mechanisms of molecular oxygen activation, shedding light on the diverse ROS production pathways. Subsequently, this review comprehensively details contemporary activation approaches, including photocatalytic activation, electrocatalytic activation, piezoelectric activation, and photothermal activation, explicating their distinct activation mechanisms. Additionally, it delves into the promising applications of molecular oxygen activation in the degradation of water pollutants, primary air pollutants, and volatile organic compounds, providing an in-depth analysis of the associated degradation pathways and mechanisms. Moreover, this review also addresses the imminent challenges and emerging opportunities in environmental remediation. It is envisioned that this comprehensive analysis will spur ongoing exploration and innovation in the use of molecular oxygen activation for environmental remediation and beyond.

Enhanced management and antifouling performance of a novel NiFe-LDH@MnO2/PVDF hybrid membrane for efficient oily wastewater treatment.

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have gained significant recognition for their facile synthesis and super-hydrophilic two-dimensional (2D) structure to fabricate antifouling membranes for oily wastewater separation. However, conventional PVDF membranes, due to their hydrophobic nature and inert matrix, often exhibit insufficient permeance and compatibility. In this study, a novel NiFe-LDH@MnO2/PVDF membrane was synthesized using ultrasonic, redox, and microwave-hydrothermal processes. This innovative approach cultivated grass-like NiFe-LDH@MnO2 nanoparticles within an inert PVDF matrix, promoting the growth of highly hydrophilic composites. The presence of NiFe-LDH@MnO2 resulted in pronounced enhancements in surface morphology, interfacial wettability, and oil rejection for the fabricated membrane. The optimal NiFe-LDH@MnO2/PVDF-2 membrane exhibited an extremely high pure water flux (1364 L m-2•h-1), and increased oil rejection (from 81.2% to 93.5%) without sacrificing water permeation compared to the original PVDF membrane. Additionally, the NiFe-LDH@MnO2/PVDF membrane demonstrated remarkable antifouling properties, evident by an exceptional fouling resistance ratio of 96.8% following slight water rinsing. Mechanistic insights into the enhanced antifouling performance were elucidated through a comparative "semi-immersion" investigation. The facile synthesis method, coupled with the improved membrane performance, highlights the potential application prospects of this hybrid membrane in emulsified oily wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.

Covalent Organic Framework/Graphene Hybrids: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications.

To address current energy crises and environmental concerns, it is imperative to develop and design versatile porous materials ideal for water purification and energy storage. The advent of covalent organic frameworks (COFs), a revolutionary terrain of porous materials, is underscored by their superlative features such as divinable structure, adjustable aperture, and high specific surface area. However, issues like inferior electric conductivity, inaccessible active sites impede mass transfer and poor processability of bulky COFs restrict their wider application. As a herculean stride forward, COF/graphene hybrids amalgamate the strengths of their constituent components and have in consequence, enticed significant scientific intrigue. Herein, the current progress on the structure and properties of graphene-based materials and COFs are systematically outlined. Then, synthetic strategies for preparing COF/graphene hybrids, including one-pot synthesis, ex situ synthesis, and in situ growth, are comprehensively reviewed. Afterward, the pivotal attributes of COF/graphene hybrids are dissected in conjunction with their multifaceted applications spanning adsorption, separation, catalysis, sensing, and energy storage. Finally, this review is concluded by elucidating prevailing challenges and gesturing toward prospective strides within the realm of COF/graphene hybrids research.

A low-cost and sustainable solution for nitrate removal from secondary effluent: Macroporous ion exchange resin treatment.

Macroporous ion exchange resin has excellent selectivity to nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and partially soluble refractory organic compounds contained in the secondary effluent of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). In this study, macroporous ion exchange resins were chosen as an alternative to single biochemical nitrogen removal processes. Various conditions were examined to optimize adsorption performance, and the adsorption mechanism was explored through isotherm fitting, thermodynamic parameter calculation, and kinetic analysis. The experiment demonstrated that the resin exhibited strong selectivity for nitrate (NO3-) and achieved an equilibrium adsorption amount of 9.8924 mg/g and an equilibrium adsorption time of 60 min at 25 °C. The resin denitrification pilot plant demonstrated stable operation for two months and achieved COD<20 mg/L, TN < 1.5 mg/L, and NH4+-N<0.5 mg/L. The removal rates of COD, TP, NH4+-N, NO3--N, and TN were 41.65%, 42.96%, 55.37%, 91.8%, and 90.81%, respectively. After the resin was regenerated, the removal rates of NO3--N, TN and the regeneration recovery rate were above 90%. Through cost analysis, the treatment cost of the pilot plant is only 0.104 $/m3. This study presents a practical, low-cost, and efficient treatment method for the deep treatment of secondary effluent from WWTP in practical engineering, providing new ideas and theoretical guidance.

A sustainable solution for organic pollutant degradation: Novel polyethersulfone/carbon cloth/FeOCl composite membranes with electric field-assisted persulfate activation.

Sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOP) and ultrafiltration (UF) membranes have demonstrated effectiveness in treating wastewater. This investigation illuminated a pioneering two-stage procedure for fabricating polyethersulfone/carbon cloth/FeOCl (PES/CC/FeOCl) composite catalytic membranes, exhibiting proficiency in persulfate activation. Evidenced by their distinctively high degradation rates and superior stability, these innovative composite membranes efficaciously obviate tetracycline (TC), showcasing a striking TC degradation rate, with an unparalleled removal ratio peaking at 93% under applied electrical fields. The process underlying persulfate activation and TC degradation was meticulously explored through electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and quenching trials. These evaluations unveil that hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and sulfate radicals (SO4•-) primarily drive the eradication of diminutive organic molecules. Subsequent studies emphasized the noteworthy rejection ratio of the PES/CC/FeOCl composite membranes (90%) for sodium alginate (SA), further revealing their exceptional on-line cleansing efficiency in an electrofiltration-associated in-situ oxidation system. In essence, this study proposed a novel approach for the synthesis of composite membranes adept at the catalytic degradation of organic pollutants. This paradigm-shifting research imparted a unique lens to perceive the integration of membrane separation technology, enriching the domain of advanced wastewater treatment strategies.

Membrane-catalysis integrated system for contaminants degradation and membrane fouling mitigation: A review.

The integration of catalytic degradation and membrane separation processes not only enables continuous degradation of contaminants but also effectively alleviates inevitable membrane fouling, demonstrating fascinating practical value for efficient water purification. Such membrane-catalysis integrated system (MCIS) has attracted tremendous research interest from scientists in chemical engineering and environmental science recently. In this review, the advantages of MCIS are discussed, including the membrane structure regulation, stable catalyst loading, nano-confinement effect, and efficient natural organic matter (NOM) exclusion, highlighting the synergistic effect between membrane separation and catalytic process. Subsequently, the design considerations for the fabrication of catalytic membranes, including substrate membrane, catalytic material, and fabrication method, are comprehensively summarized. Afterward, the mechanisms and performance of MCIS based on different catalytic types, including liquid-phase oxidants/reductants involved MCIS, gas involved MCIS, photocatalysis involved MCIS, and electrocatalysis involved MCIS are reviewed in detail. Finally, the research direction and future perspectives of catalytic membranes for water purification are proposed. The current review provides an in-depth understanding of the design of catalytic membranes and facilitates their further development for practical applications in efficient water purification.

Enhanced denitrification performance of granular sludge for the treatment of waste brine from ion exchange resin process.

Ion exchange resin process is a widely used process in wastewater treatment plants, but its waste brine is characterized by high salinity and nitrate concentration, leading to costly treatment. This study innovatively explored the use of an up-flow anaerobic sludge bed (USB) for the treatment of waste brine from ion exchange resin process, following a pilot-scale ion exchange resin process. Specifically, the D890 ion exchange resin was employed for nitrate removal from secondary effluent, with resin regeneration using 4% NaCl solution. The USB was inoculated with anaerobic granular sludge and acclimated under various single-factor conditions, which revealed the optimal pH range of 6.5-9, salt concentration of 2%, hydraulic retention time of 12 h, C/N ratio of 3.3, and up-flow velocity of 1.5 m/h for reactor operation. This study provides a novel approach for the cost-effective treatment of waste brine from ion exchange resin process. The study found that the denitrification efficiency was highest when the NO3--N concentration was around 200 mg/L, with NO3--N and TN removal rates exceeding 95% and 90%, respectively, under optimal operating conditions. Characterization of the granular sludge during different phases of the operation revealed a significant increase in proteobacteria and gradually became the dominant species over time. This study presents a novel, cost-effective approach to treat waste brine from ion exchange resin process, and the long-term stable operation of the reactor offers a reliable option for resin regeneration wastewater treatment.

Superior performance of a membrane bioreactor through innovative in-situ aeration and structural optimization using computational fluid dynamics.

The optimization of membrane bioreactors (MBRs) involves a critical challenge in structural design for mitigation of membrane fouling. To address this issue, a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was utilized in this study to simulate the hydrodynamic characteristics of a flat sheet (FS) MBR. The optimization of the membrane module configuration and operating conditions was performed by investigating key parameters that altered the shear stress and liquid velocity. The mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentration was found to increase the shear stress, leading to a more uniform distribution of shear stress. By optimizing the appropriate bubble diameter to 5 mm, the shear stress on the membrane surface was optimized with relatively uniform distribution. Additionally, extending the side baffle length dramatically improved the uniformity of the shear stress distribution on each membrane. A novel in-situ aeration method was also discovered to promote turbulent kinetic energy by 200 times compared with traditional aeration modes, leading to a more uniform bubble streamline. As a result, the novel in-situ aeration method demonstrated superior membrane antifouling potential in the MBR. This work provides a new approach for the structural design and optimization of MBRs. The innovative combination of the CFD model, optimization techniques, and novel in-situ aeration method has provided a substantial contribution to the advancement of membrane separation technology in wastewater treatment.