Fabrication of sustainable membranes with functionalized nanomaterials (FNMs)

Abstract

Nanomaterials have contributed significantly to the enhancement of technological and industrial development. The conventional membranes used in various separation processes are limited in their abilities, performances, and are prone to fouling or biofouling. Membranes fabricated with functionalized nanomaterials are sustainable, robust, and energy-efficient in membrane technology. The nanomaterials incorporate several properties into the membrane, such as antifouling, chemical resistance, high mechanical strength, and enhanced separation properties. In this chapter, the fabrication of sustainable membranes with FNMs is presented, discussing their performance, advantages, and drawbacks. Different fabrication techniques, including interfacial polymerization, surface coating, electrospinning, phase inversion, slip casting, extrusion, chemical vapor deposition, and more, have been detailed in this chapter. Various membranes such as thin-film nanocomposite, nanofibrous, ceramic, and carbon nanotube-based membranes can be fabricated using these techniques. Such membranes have enhanced properties that significantly improve the performance to overcome several challenges faced in the traditional membrane technology-based water treatment and desalination applications.