Abstract
The application of membrane processes in various fields has now undergone accelerated developments, despite the presence of some hurdles impacting the process efficiency. Fouling is arguably the main hindrance for a wider implementation of polymeric membranes, particularly in pressure-driven membrane processes, causing higher costs of energy, operation, and maintenance. Radiation induced graft copolymerization (RIGC) is a powerful versatile technique for covalently imparting selected chemical functionalities to membranes’ surfaces, providing a potential solution to fouling problems. This article aims to systematically review the progress in modifications of polymeric membranes by RIGC of polar monomers onto membranes using various low- and high-energy radiation sources (UV, plasma, γ-rays, and electron beam) for fouling prevention. The feasibility of the modification method with respect to physico-chemical and antifouling properties of the membrane is discussed. Furthermore, the major challenges to the modified membranes in terms of sustainability are outlined and the future research directions are also highlighted. It is expected that this review would attract the attention of membrane developers, users, researchers, and scientists to appreciate the merits of using RIGC for modifying polymeric membranes to mitigate the fouling issue, increase membrane lifespan, and enhance the membrane system efficiency.
Highlights
The objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive review on the development of various methods used to modify the surface of polymeric membranes by Radiation induced graft copolymerization (RIGC), initiated with high- and low-energy radiation sources to reduce or prevent the fouling in membrane processes operating based on various separation driving forces
Filmbrane thickness can be controlled at Deposited layers may vary in surface
The results revealed most important parameter adjusting the degree of branes made up of PES thatthat wasthe modified by poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA)
Summary
It leads to a reduction in the flux and lifespan of the membrane that is coupled with an increase in the differential pressure and feed pressure, and a reduction in the treated water quality, rise in the energy consumption and operation cost, and eventual deterrent of the widespread application of membrane technology [3] Membrane processes such as water and wastewater treatment [4], desalination [5], dairy processing [6], fruit juice concentration [7], and whey protein concentration [8] are among those in which fouling typically poses a major drawback, impeding an efficient membrane performance. Membrane modifications can be performed by various methods including surface coating [12], blending, which introduces bulk modification [13], combining surface modification with blending [14], chemical treatment [15], interfacial polymerization [16], graft copolymerization [17], and incorporation of inorganic metal oxides additives such as titania [18], alumina [19], zirconia [20], and silica [21] in addition to nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes [22], graphene oxide [23], and immobilization of antimicrobial additives such as silver nanoparticles [24] occur during membrane fabrication
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