Effect of Interlayer Construction on TFC Nanofiltration Membrane Performance: A Review from Materials Perspective

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Polyamide (PA) thin-film composite (TFC) nanofiltration (NF) membranes face limitations in permeability-selectivity, hindering efficient seawater desalination and water purification.
• The inherent trade-off between permeability and selectivity is a key challenge in current NF membrane technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and compare the latest advancements in TFC NF membranes utilizing various interlayer materials.
• To provide guidance for designing advanced NF membranes through interlayer engineering for water treatment applications.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on TFC NF membranes with interlayers.
• Analysis of membrane performance based on different organic (polyphenols, ion polymers, etc.) and nanomaterial (nanoparticles, 1D/2D nanomaterials) interlayers.
• Comparison of structure-performance relationships.

Main Results:

• Interlayer construction precisely controls interfacial polymerization (IP), leading to thin, dense, and defect-free PA selective layers.
• Diverse interlayer materials, including organic and nanomaterials, offer tunable properties for enhanced membrane performance.
• Significant improvements in permeability and selectivity have been demonstrated through interlayer strategies.

Conclusions:

• Interlayer technology is a promising approach to overcome the permeability-selectivity trade-off in TFC NF membranes.
• Further research into interlayer-based TFC NF membranes is crucial for advancing seawater desalination and water purification.
• Rational design of interlayers offers a pathway to next-generation high-performance NF membranes.