Membrane Fabrication and Modification by Atomic Layer Deposition: Processes and Applications in Water Treatment and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Membrane-based separations are crucial for global water and gas purification.
• Existing membranes require novel modifications for enhanced industrial applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) in membrane fabrication and modification.
• To explore how ALD coatings improve membrane performance for water and gas treatment.

Main Methods:

• ALD technique for depositing uniform, angstrom-scale coating layers.
• Review of inorganic and organic barrier films used with ALD.
• Categorization of ALD applications based on treated medium (water/gas).

Main Results:

• ALD coatings, primarily metal oxides, enhance antifouling, selectivity, permeability, and hydrophilicity.
• ALD broadens membrane applications for emerging contaminants in water and air.
• ALD is adaptable to various membrane chemistries and morphologies.

Conclusions:

• ALD is a promising technique for next-generation membrane development.
• ALD offers a pathway to overcome limitations in current membrane separation performance.
• Further research into ALD advancements, limitations, and challenges is needed for comprehensive guidelines.