Optimizing electroactive membrane performance for microalgae harvesting: A response surface methodology study of membrane formulation and operating parameters for electro filtration

Developing electroactive membranes for filtration has gained importance owing to their effectiveness in mitigating the long-lasting issue of fouling faced with traditional membranes. Here, we developed thin electroactive metallic films on to stainless steel mesh (SSM) using electrodeposition method and evaluated their performance for microalgae harvesting via electro filtration. The effect of electrodeposition parameters on membrane formulation and operating parameters for electro filtration, both in continuous and intermittent modes, were evaluated and optimum values were obtained using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal combination of electrodeposition parameters is 1000 μA/cm² and 5 min for deposition current density and time, respectively. Whereas the electric field strength of 20 V/mm with an application time of 1 min is suggested to be the optimal combination of electro filtration parameters for maximized flux recovery and corresponding experimental rejection efficiency of more than 90%. Overall, this research contributes to a better understanding of the parameters governing electro-filtration and offers insights for improving the performance of membrane-based microalgae harvesting systems.