Solar-Driven Photocatalytic Ceramic Membrane Reactors for Paracetamol Degradation: Process Optimization, Transport Dynamics, and Preliminary Cyclic Reusability

Adel Zrelli, Research Unit Advanced Materials, Applied Mechanics, Innovative Processes and Environment, UR22ES04, Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology of Gabes (ISSAT), University of Gabes, 6029 Gabes, Tunisia Follow
Asma Abdennebi, Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology of Gabes (ISSAT), University of Gabes, 6029 Gabes, TunisiaFollow
Manoj Chandra Garg, Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, IndiaFollow
Fanghua Li, National Engineering Research Center for Safe Disposal and Resources Recovery of Sludge, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, ChinaFollow

Keywords

Photocatalytic membrane reactor, Paracetamol degradation, Solar-driven water treatment, Ceramic membrane, Process intensification

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The use of membrane separation and heterogeneous photocatalysis together appears to be an innovative way to remove long-lasting pollutants such as paracetamol (PCT) from water. To overcome the limited process by understanding hindering the practical deployment of solar-driven photocatalytic membrane reactors (PMRs), this study proposes a process-engineering-centered framework for a low-cost, integrated ceramic PMR. A laboratory-scale system was developed using inexpensive red clay ceramic membranes modified by immobilizing TiO₂ (P25) for paracetamol degradation under natural sunlight and ultraviolet irradiation. Unlike previous studies mainly focused on material development, this work evaluates the coupled effects of TiO₂ loading, membrane inclination, irradiation source, and transport phenomena on reactor performance. Systematic investigations of TiO₂ loading (0–1 g/L), membrane inclination (0°–60°), and irradiation conditions revealed maximum paracetamol degradation efficiencies of 74.9% (UV) and 55.5% (sunlight) after 5.5 h on the retentate side. However, concentration polarization, fouling, and permeate flux decline limited overall removal efficiency. Reactor performance strongly depended on hydrodynamic orientation, with horizontal orientation (0° inclination) improving photon exposure and mass transfer. Reusability tests showed activity losses of 52% under UV and 33% under sunlight after five cycles, indicating the need for regeneration strategies. Kinetic analysis confirmed that degradation was controlled by photon flux, catalyst accessibility, and boundary-layer effects. Despite repeated operation, the ceramic support maintained its integrity. This study provides practical design principles for the development of potentially scalable, energy-efficient and cost-effective solar-driven photocatalytic ceramic membrane reactors for decentralized wastewater treatment.

Recommended Citation

Zrelli, Adel; Abdennebi, Asma; Garg, Manoj Chandra; and Li, Fanghua (2026) "Solar-Driven Photocatalytic Ceramic Membrane Reactors for Paracetamol Degradation: Process Optimization, Transport Dynamics, and Preliminary Cyclic Reusability," Engineering and Technology Journal: Vol. 44: Iss. 9, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.30684/2412-0758.2406

DOI

10.30684/2412-0758.2406

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