Material‐Efficient Synthesis of Polymer Membrane‐Immobilized Metal Oxides for Advanced Oxidation Processes: Catalytic Mechanism, Stability and Performance

Abstract A unique all‐in‐one synthesis is presented for membrane‐immobilized transition metal oxides, integrating into a single process: metallic nanoparticle synthesis within a polymer dope solution, porous support membrane formation via film casting and polymer precipitation, and aqueous room‐temperature oxidation using atmospheric oxygen. This approach achieves near‐perfect metal utilization and enables synthesis of different metal oxides under identical conditions. As‐prepared CrO₂, MnO₂, FeOOH, CoOOH, Ni(OH)₂, CuO, and ZnO are benchmarked in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for water treatment at neutral pH and with NaCl and NaHCO₃. Tetracycline, diclofenac, cefalexin, and p‐nitrophenol are tested as organic pollutants and persulfate (S₂O₈²⁻), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and sulfite (SO₃²⁻) as oxidants. Key reactivity trends and performance indicators across diverse catalyst‐oxidant‐pollutant systems are identified. The role of catalyst‐oxidant affinities is elucidated, showing how Lewis acid–base interactions at the metal oxide surface impact metal cation leaching and resistance to interference from dissolved anions during oxidant activation. Furthermore, a novel theoretical framework is introduced that links the material properties of metal oxides to their catalytic oxidant activation mechanisms. Building on this framework, a mathematical model is established that predicts the catalytic activity of metal oxides in AOPs across various conditions, providing a new strategy for rational catalyst design.