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Current Progress in Advanced Functional Membranes for Water-Pollutant Removal: A Critical Review
Manseeb M Mannaf1, Md Mahbubur Rahman1, Sonkorson Talukder Sabuj2
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna 9203, Bangladesh.
Membranes
|October 28, 2025
Summary
Advanced Functional Membranes (AFMs) show promise for water purification, utilizing materials like metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to remove complex pollutants effectively. Further research is needed to overcome challenges in cost and scalability for real-world application.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Rising water pollution from diverse contaminants necessitates advanced treatment solutions beyond conventional methods.
- Advanced Functional Membranes (AFMs) offer customizable structures and enhanced performance for effective pollutant removal.
- Existing water treatment technologies struggle to address complex pollutants like dyes, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in Advanced Functional Membranes (AFMs) for water purification.
- To highlight MOF-based, CNT-based, and electro-Fenton (EF)-based membranes.
- To discuss material aspects, filtration mechanisms, benefits, limitations, and future potential of these next-generation membranes.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on Advanced Functional Membranes (AFMs).
- Focus on MOF-based, CNT-based, and electro-Fenton (EF)-based membrane technologies.
- Analysis of material properties, pollutant removal mechanisms, and performance metrics.
Main Results:
- AFMs, particularly those incorporating MOFs and CNTs, demonstrate high permeability and selective pollutant removal.
- Hybrid systems combining AFMs with electrochemical or photocatalytic processes show high efficiency in lab settings.
- Challenges remain in cost, scalability, and long-term stability for practical implementation.
Conclusions:
- MOF-based, CNT-based, and EF-based membranes represent promising next-generation water purification technologies.
- These advanced materials offer potential for sustainable, practical, and economically viable water treatment solutions.
- Overcoming implementation challenges is crucial for widespread adoption in addressing global water quality issues.
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