Integration of Three-Dimensional Printed Flow-through Photoreactor with Z-Scheme Photocatalytic Membrane for Sunlight-Drivable Micropollutant Removal from Water

Sunlight is an ideal energy source for the catalytic degradation of micropollutants from water. However, it remains a challenge to achieve efficient sunlight-driven micropollutants degradation. Here, we report the integration of a 3D printed flow-through photoreactor with a Z-scheme AgI/Bi2WO6/poly(ether sulfone) (AgI/Bi2WO6/PES) photocatalytic membrane for light-driven removal of antibiotics and steroid hormones. Notably, the rates of photocatalytic micropollutants removal are achieved above 96% over a wide range of concentrations, from 200 ng L–1 to 10 mg L–1, setting the highest record as compared to the reported cases to date. Under natural sunlight, an impressive 99% removal rate for LEV is demonstrated. We technologically determine the limiting factor for micropollutant degradation, while the photocatalytic mechanism is fundamentally elucidated with experimental evidence. This work provides an effective approach to removing micropollutants under sunlight and offers insights for the design of water treatment devices through the synergy of 3D printed photoreactors and heterojunction materials.