Polymeric Membranes for Advanced Separation and Sensing: Materials and Mechanisms for Emerging Applications-A Review

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Polymeric membranes are crucial for separation technologies due to their adaptability and cost-effectiveness.
• Recent progress has focused on enhancing membrane performance for diverse applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in polymeric membrane technologies.
• To highlight applications in water treatment, energy, and biomedical fields.
• To discuss challenges and future directions for sustainable membrane development.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on polymeric membrane advancements.
• Analysis of nanocomposite, electrospun, functionalized, smart, 3D-printed, and TIPS-fabricated membranes.
• Evaluation of environmentally friendly fabrication methods and materials.

Main Results:

• Nanocomposite membranes (PSF/MXene) show >95% BSA rejection.
• Electrospun membranes achieve high flux for oily wastewater filtration.
• Functionalized UF membranes exhibit >98% BSA rejection and antifouling properties.
• Smart membranes display tunable wettability and permeability.
• Green solvent fabrication yields high-rejection membranes for desalination.

Conclusions:

• Significant progress in membrane performance and fabrication methods.
• Persistent challenges include fouling, cost, and the permeability-selectivity trade-off.
• Future directions involve nanomaterial integration, stimuli-responsive design, and biodegradable polymers for sustainable membranes.