This study demonstrates a highly efficient, metal-free method for nitrate reduction in drinking water treatment using electrified membrane filtration. The researchers developed a nanoporous electrified membrane (EM) containing pristine carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which significantly reduced the diffusion boundary layer and enhanced the mass transport of nitrate ions. This approach achieved a maximum single-pass removal efficiency of 86.9% for an initial nitrate concentration of 10 mM, comparable to that of metal-based catalysts. The enhanced performance was attributed to the increased interaction between nitrate ions and defect sites in the CNTs, facilitated by the flow-through operation of the EM. The study also highlighted the long-term stability and environmental tolerance of the CNT-EM, making it a promising solution for decentralized nitrate removal in drinking water treatment.This study demonstrates a highly efficient, metal-free method for nitrate reduction in drinking water treatment using electrified membrane filtration. The researchers developed a nanoporous electrified membrane (EM) containing pristine carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which significantly reduced the diffusion boundary layer and enhanced the mass transport of nitrate ions. This approach achieved a maximum single-pass removal efficiency of 86.9% for an initial nitrate concentration of 10 mM, comparable to that of metal-based catalysts. The enhanced performance was attributed to the increased interaction between nitrate ions and defect sites in the CNTs, facilitated by the flow-through operation of the EM. The study also highlighted the long-term stability and environmental tolerance of the CNT-EM, making it a promising solution for decentralized nitrate removal in drinking water treatment.