Novel Porous Cu 2 O/MnO 2 Integrated Polysulfone Photocatalytic Self‐Cleaning Membrane for the Degradation of Refractory Contaminants Under Solar Light: Mechanism, Degradation Pathways, and Ecotoxicity

In the presented study, novel highly porous polysulfone photocatalytic membrane (PCM) incorporating Cu 2 O/MnO 2 was prepared by phase inversion. The obtained membrane was characterized comprehensively by elucidating surface, structure, and functional group attributes. The enhanced hydrophilicity of the PCM, as confirmed by the decrease in the contact angle from 82.61° to 69.23°, along with increased porosity (88%) and equilibrium water content (76%), is discussed. Photocatalytic activity, using bromocresol green (BCG) degradation under solar irradiation, is assessed for the PCM, which exhibited superior activity because of the synergistic interaction between Cu 2 O and MnO 2 . The O 2 •− and • OH radicals may participate in the degradation of BCG during the radical quenching process. PCM exhibited a flux rejection rate (FRR) of 92.4%, which indicates significant flux recovery, along with maintained mechanical strength and reduced compaction, indicating good long‐term usability. An ECOSAR toxicity analysis showed that BCG degrades into less toxic or nontoxic byproducts. The Cu 2 O/MnO 2 /PSF membrane, with photocatalytic and self‐cleaning properties, demonstrated an efficient, effective, and eco‐friendly solution in wastewater treatment.