Recent advances in nature-inspired antifouling membranes for water purification

Abstract

• Nature breaks new ground in the design of antifouling membranes. • The review summarizes the recent progress of nature-inspired antifouling membranes. • Fundamentals, strategies and applications of antifouling membranes are reviewed. • Challenges and perspectives for nature-inspired antifouling membranes are provided. Membrane separation technologies have been widely used for water purification. However, membrane fouling, which arises from unwanted deposition and adhesion of foulants, significantly hinders the applications of membrane technology. In recent years, inspirations that come through materials, processes and designs of nature open a new avenue for the development of antifouling membranes. The review aims to summarize the recent progress in nature-inspired antifouling membranes. The fundamentals of membrane fouling are first discussed based on the classical theories and recent advances in available literature. Subsequently, antifouling surfaces inspired from nature, involving superwetting surfaces, antimicrobial approaches and bio-synthesis strategies, are systematically summarized and antifouling membrane fabrications based on these strategies are critically reviewed. The challenges and perspectives are also discussed to facilitate the future research and development of nature-inspired antifouling membranes. This review provides comprehensive understanding and practical guidance on the construction of nature-inspired antifouling membranes for water purification.