The performance of low-fouling, piezoelectrically vibrating membranes

![CDATA[Membrane fouling, which results in a decline in the permeate rate during filtration, is a major the main problem in using membranes, for water treatment applications (Fane et al., 2000). Approaches commonly used to control fouling are: pretreatment of the feed (Hilal et al., 2005), modification of the membrane bulk or surface properties (Rana and Matsuura, 2010), modification of the operating parameters and various cleaning procedures (Khulbe et al., 2010). During membrane separation processes, concentration polarization at the membrane surface occurs and this plays a major role in the development of fouling of the membrane (Li et al., 1998). It has been suggested that fluid instability might ameliorate concentration polarization and consequently membrane fouling (Winzeler and Belfort, 1993). Here we explore the possibility of generating microscopic or nanoscopic turbulence on the surface of the membrane to control fouling.]]