Abstract
A recent trend in the field of membrane research is the incorporation of nanoparticles into polymeric membranes, which could produce synergistic effects when using different types of materials. This paper discusses the effect of the introduction of different nanometals such as silver, iron, silica, aluminum, titanium, zinc, and copper and their oxides on the permeability, selectivity, hydrophilicity, conductivity, mechanical strength, thermal stability, and antiviral and antibacterial properties of polymeric membranes. The effects of nanoparticle physicochemical properties, type, size, and concentration on a membrane’s intrinsic properties such as pore morphology, porosity, pore size, hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, membrane surface charge, and roughness are discussed, and the performance of nanocomposite membranes in terms of flux permeation, contaminant rejection, and antifouling capability are reviewed. The wide range of nanocomposite membrane applications including desalination and removal of various contaminants in water-treatment processes are discussed.
Highlights
In the last few decades, polymer membrane technology has become an efficient technique for water purification
The aim of this review is to present the effect of introducing various metal nanoparticles, such as silver, iron, silica, aluminum, titanium, and other metals, and their oxides on various properties of polymer membranes, including selectivity, hydrophilicity, conductivity, mechanical strength, thermal stability, and antiviral and antibacterial properties, based on a literature review using the following keywords: polymer membranes, nanometals or metal nanoparticles in polymer membranes, modification of polymer membranes, and water and wastewater treatment
Since polymer membranes are characterized by hydrophobic properties, which often makes it difficult to use in an aqueous environment, the addition of metal nanoparticles allows for surface modification and for obtaining a material with strong hydrophilic properties
Summary
In the last few decades, polymer membrane technology has become an efficient technique for water purification. A significant advantage of polymer membranes for wastewater treatment and clean-water production compared to conventional methods is the high purification capacity, ease of use, as well as cost-effectiveness. Polymeric membrane properties, including pore size, wettability, surface charge, roughness, thermal resistance, chemical stability, permeability, thickness, and mechanical strength, vary between membranes and applications. Advanced nanocomposite membranes could be designed to meet specific water-treatment applications by tuning their structure and physicochemical properties (e.g., hydrophilicity, porosity, charge density, and thermal and mechanical stability) and by introducing unique functionalities (e.g., antibacterial, photocatalytic, or adsorptive capabilities). Advancements in membrane technology including new membrane materials, coatings, and manufacturing methods make it possible to obtain very good filtration and cleaning effects even in the case of mixtures that are difficult to separate
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