Engineering nanocomposite membranes: Addressing current challenges and future opportunities

Saif Al Aani, Chris J. Wright, Muataz Ali Atieh, Nidal Hilal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The engineering of novel membranes through fabrication and modification using engineered nanoscale materials (ENMs) presents tremendous opportunity within desalination and water treatment. In this paper, we present an overview of the applications of ENMs to organic polymeric membranes and desalination. The review will examine the motivation for introducing ENMs into polymeric membranes identifying how the characteristics of the ENMs, such as high surface area to volume ratio and mechanical strength, can be used to optimise and tailor membranes for particular applications. The overview will include ENM's classification, incorporation strategies and how their properties impact on the surface characteristics, robustness, functionality, morphologies and antifouling properties of polymeric membranes. The review will also feature discussion on the current issues facing the development and commercialization of nanocomposite membrane that harness the benefits of ENMs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-15
Number of pages15
JournalDesalination
Volume401
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2 2017

Keywords

  • Membranes fouling
  • Nanocomposite membrane
  • Nanomaterials
  • Nanoparticles
  • Polymeric membranes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • General Materials Science
  • Water Science and Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering

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