Polymeric nanocomposites in gas separation: Advancements in tailoring for environmental applications

Gas separation plays a pivotal role in addressing environmental challenges, including air pollution control, carbon capture, and industrial gas purification. However, conventional gas separation technologies often face limitations, including low selectivity, high energy consumption, and operational inefficiencies. Polymeric nanocomposites (PNCs) have developed into capable materials by overcoming these challenges. Incorporating nanomaterials into polymer matrices empowers the advancement of sophisticated membrane technologies with superior mechanical stability, selectivity, and permeability, making them ideal candidates for sustainable gas separation treatments. This review provides an in-depth examination of the latest advancements in PNCs for gas separation, with a focus on their potential environmental applications. It covers key aspects, including the fundamentals of PNCs, their physical and chemical properties, polymer selection criteria, gas separation mechanisms, and their applications in environmental gas purification. Additionally, it discusses the limitations and challenges of these materials and presents perspectives on how innovations in material design and fabrication techniques can further enhance their efficiency. Given the increasing demand for efficient and environmentally friendly gas separation technologies, this review serves as a critical resource for scholars, policymakers, and industry professionals seeking to develop next-generation materials for environmental sustainability.