• Explores novel membrane materials and systems from preparation methods, materials selection, and their application in monitoring, fouling control, and performance enhancement. • Examines the mechanism of fouling prevention and cleaning in various electrically conductive materials. • Evaluates the scalability of antifouling materials and coatings, as well as electrically enhanced processes for monitoring and control in membrane separation technology • Assesses advantages and limitations of applying electrically conductive membrane systems to fouling control for specific water treatment applications. • Provides a critical review of scientific literature in the specialized area of electrical conductive materials and systems for membrane technology.