Polymer Nanocomposite Membranes Research Articles

Innovations in nanomaterial-embedded polymer membranes for water and wastewater treatment: a comprehensive review

Abstract There has been growing interest in advancing nanoparticle-embedded polymeric membranes and their significant utilization in wastewater treatment to address the global water pollution problem. Incorporation of nanomaterials into the membrane matrices not only enhances the physicochemical properties like hydrophilicity, mechanical and thermal stability, porosity, antifouling, and antibacterial properties of the polymers but also influences the membrane permeability, selectivity, and several contaminant removals. This overview highlighted the development of nanomaterials like metal/metal oxide nanoparticles (0D), carbon nanotubes (1D), graphene or graphene oxide (GO) (2D layer materials), zwitterionic, zeolites, and associated structures (3D) blended with significant polymeric materials, along with synthesis and integration techniques for fabricating mixed-matrix nanoparticle-embedded polymer nanocomposite (PNC) membranes. This article also addresses the limitations of conventional water treatment technologies, recent challenges of polymer membrane technology, environmental impact, human considerations, and the prospects of these advanced nanoparticle-embedded polymer membranes for sustainable water and wastewater treatment. The motivation for future research in polymeric materials with embedded nanoparticles and the prediction of novel membranes for water purification will also be provided.

Polymer Nanocomposites: A Comprehensive Review on Their Applications in Membranes and Adsorbents for Water Treatment and Gas Separation

Environmental challenges such as water scarcity and air pollution have become critical global issues, prompting the need for innovative solutions. Polymer nanocomposites have emerged as promising materials for addressing these challenges due to their unique properties and functionalities. This comprehensive review explores the effective utilization of polymer nanocomposites in membranes and adsorbents for water treatment and gas separation. The synthesis methods, properties, and mechanisms of polymer nanocomposite membranes are discussed, along with their applications in wastewater treatment and gas separation. Furthermore, the use of polymer nanocomposites as adsorbents for removing toxic metals ions and dyes from water is examined, including the underlying adsorption mechanisms. Additionally, the review highlights recent patents in the field, emphasizing the innovative applications of polymer nanocomposite membranes for environmental purposes

Correction: NaCMC-decorated ZnO nanocomposite polymer membranes for the separation of reactive dyes from textile water

Correction for ‘NaCMC-decorated ZnO nanocomposite polymer membranes for the separation of reactive dyes from textile water’ by R. Robin et al., New J. Chem., 2023, 47, 20517–20526, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NJ03783E.

The sources, leaching, remediation, and environmental concerns associated with groundwater salinity.

Water resources management and sustainable development depend on the quality of groundwater as a major source of fresh water. As a result of rising water demand in emerging nations and overexploitation, groundwater quality has declined globally in many aquifers. One of the most significant elements that lower the quality of the groundwater is salinization. This review is to provide an overview of various materials that are used in the design and development of innovative chitosan-based nanocomposite polymeric membranes for desalination. Biodegradable, non-toxic, affordable, and easily available, with film-forming ability and poly-functionality, chitosan is an ideal material for a sustainable future. Membrane preparation for desalination using chitosan helps to provide antibacterial and antioxidant activities, great chelating capabilities, and strong adsorption capacity. In this research, we discuss a variety of concepts concerning the different sources of elevated salinity and available desalination methods. A comprehensive framework was also developed to understand the leaching and percolation of salt in groundwater, an essential component of managing risks and ensuring safety. Additionally, we explain the various remediation strategies for reducing groundwater's salt concentration and explore the best method for desalination specifically focused on chitosan.

Antifouling polymeric nanocomposite membrane based on interfacial polymerization of polyamide enhanced with green TiO2nanoparticles for water desalination

In the present investigation, the preparation and characterization of polyamide/TiO2as thin film nanocomposites (TFN) for brackish water desalination was investigated. TiO2nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by a green method using thyme plant extract as a reducing and capping agent. The TiO2NPs was successfully prepared in pure crystalline anatase phase with 15 nm size, and −33.1 mV zeta potential. The antimicrobial tests confirmed the antimicrobial activity of TiO2against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. In addition, TiO2NPs showed a good photocatalytic activity in degradation of methylene blue dye. TFN based on interfacial polymerization was enhanced by embedding 5% of the greenly synthesized TiO2NPs within the polyamide thin film active layer. The incorporation of TiO2NPs was confirmed by SEM, atomic force microscope (AFM), surface wettability, and FTIR. Membranes performance was investigated based on flux, salt rejection and fouling resistance. The antifouling was examined using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as protein fouling by dead-end cell filtration system at 2 bar. The results showed the TFN increased in water flux by 40.9% and a slight decrease in NaCl rejection (6.3%) was observed, with enhancement in antifouling properties. The flux recovery rate of the modified TFN membranes after fouling with BSA solution was enhanced by 21.5% (from 61.7% for TFC to 83.2% for TFN). Also, they demonstrated remarkable anti-biofouling behavior against both bacterial strains.

Enhanced performance of nanocomposite membrane developed on sulfonated poly (1, 4-phenylene ether-ether-sulfone) with zeolite imidazole frameworks for fuel cell application

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) have received a lot of interest and use metal–organic frameworks (MOF)/polymer nanocomposite membranes. Zeolite imidazole framework-90 (ZIF-90) was employed as an addition in the sulfonated poly (1, 4-phenylene ether-ether-sulfone) (SPEES) matrix in order to investigate the proton conductivity in a novel nanocomposite membrane made of SPEES/ ZIF. The high porosity, free surface, and presence of the aldehyde group in the ZIF-90 nanostructure have a substantial impact on enhancing the mechanical, chemical, thermal, and proton conductivity capabilities of the SPEES/ZIF-90 nanocomposite membranes. The results indicate that the utilization of SPEES/ZIF-90 nanocomposite membranes with 3wt% ZIF-90 resulted in enhanced proton conductivity of up to 160 mS/cm at 90 °C and 98% relative humidity (RH). This is a significant improvement compared to the SPEES membrane which exhibited a proton conductivity of 55 mS/cm under the same conditions, indicating a 1.9-fold increase in performance. Furthermore, the SPEES/ZIF-90/3 membrane exhibited a remarkable 79% improvement in maximum power density, achieving a value of 0.52 W/cm2 at 0.5 V and 98% RH, which is 79% higher than that of the pristine SPEES membrane.

Functionalization and Surface Modification of Mesoporous Hydrophobic Membranes by Oligomers and Target Additives via Environmental Crazing

This work offers an ecologically friendly and facile approach for the modification of high-tonnage commercial polymers, including polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and preparation of nanocomposite polymeric membranes via incorporation of modifying oligomer hydrophilic additives, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and salicylic acid (SA). Structural modification is accomplished via the deformation of polymers in PEG, PPG, and water-ethanol solutions of PVA and SA when mesoporous membranes are loaded with oligomers and target additives. The content of target additives in nanocomposite membranes is controlled by tensile strain, and the level of loading can achieve 35-62 wt.% for PEG and PPG; the content of PVA and SA is controlled by their concentration in the feed solution. This approach allows for the simultaneous incorporation of several additives which are shown to preserve their functional performance in the polymeric membranes and their functionalization. The porosity, morphology, and mechanical characteristics of the prepared membranes were studied. The proposed approach allows an efficient and facile strategy for the surface modification of hydrophobic mesoporous membranes: depending on the nature and content of target additives, their water contact angle can be reduced to 30-65°. Water vapor permeability, gas selectivity, antibacterial, and functional properties of the nanocomposite polymeric membranes were described.

Effect of ZrO2 nanoparticles on phosphoric acid-doped poly (Ethylene imine)/Polyvinyl alcohol) membrane for medium-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell applications

A high-level research is currently focused on the construction of polymer nanocomposite membranes with high proton conductivity (PC), peak power density (PD), and open circuit voltage (OCV) for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) to substitute the commercial Nafion-211 membrane. The present study deals with the solvent-casting process for producing ZrO2 nanoparticles (1–7 wt %) dispersed on phosphoric acid (PA) doped polyethylene imine and polyvinyl alcohol (PA-PEI/PVA) polymer nanocomposites (PNCs). ZrO2 (5%) dispersed PA-PVA/PEI PNCs showed the highest ion-exchange capacity (IEC) of 2.94 mmol/g−1 at room temperature (RT), and PC of 4.34 10−2 S/cm−1 at 120 °C. Experiments on the PNCs were carried out at 120 °C to evaluate their performance and usability in medium-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (MT-PEMFCs). The results indicate a practical and effective route for the fabrication of a composite membrane that has a semi-interpenetration network structure with abundant active protonated groups, and has future prospects and widespread application in MT-PEMFCs.

Soft pneumatic actuator with an embedded flexible polymeric piezoelectric membrane for sensing bending deformation

Soft actuators have been used for various robotic applications, such as flexible soft muscles, actuators, grippers, and wearable devices. Soft actuators help handle delicate and fragile objects; moreover, they are used in medical rehabilitation devices to ensure safer human interaction. Soft actuators actuated by pneumatic pressure are the most utilized due to their compliant and straightforward operations. A soft pneumatic actuator (SPA) deforms when applying pneumatic pressure, where the deformation energy is generated. The present work uses a bending-type SPA to harness its bending energy based on the piezoelectric effect. The focus is on developing a novel SPA embedded with a piezoelectric membrane (SPA-P), which is the combination of a flexible conducting polymer nanocomposite (CPNC) membrane entrapped within the silicone rubber body of the SPA. The CPNC consists of a dielectric polyvinylidene fluoride matrix, conducting carbon nanofibers for charge transport, and ionic liquid for providing extra ions and flexibility using the solvent casting technique. The experimental study of SPA-P showed a significant voltage change when actuating with the pneumatic pressure, which can be utilized to control SPA by providing feedback voltage corresponding to the deformation during bending. Finally, the proposed SPA-P has been tested for the medical application of human finger rehabilitation.

Polymeric membranes customized with super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for effective separation of pentachlorophenol and proteins in aqueous solution

Fouling is one of the substantial problems faced by membrane filtration industries. Nanocomposite polymeric membranes are customized for improved fouling resistance to overcome this issue. In the present study, super paramagnetic iron oxide nano additives (SPIONs) are incorporated into a polymer mixture containing poly(ether-ether sulfone)/poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic acid) to prepare a unique nanocomposite polymeric ultrafiltration membrane. The presence of the nanoparticle in the synthesized nanocomposite membrane was analyzed by SEM, ATR-FTIR and XRD. The antifouling, rejection, and permeation properties of PEES/PMVEAMA/SPIONs hybrid membranes were analyzed using pollutant pentachlorophenol and protein molecules. The tailored polymeric membrane exhibited excellent porosity (81%), water content (46.8%), molecular weight cut off (20 kDa), and mean pore radius (4.1nm) by the addition of 1.5 wt% of iron oxide. The pure water flux of the PEES/PMVEAMA/SPIONs membrane (361.47 Lm−2h−1) was improved significantly when compared to the pristine membrane (349.2 Lm−2h−1). The increasing concentration of SPIONs augmented the permeation flux and exhibited excellent solute rejection of 289 Lm−2h−1 and 43%, respectively, for pentachlorophenol. The rejection percentage of protein molecules is in the order of bovine serum albumin (BSA)> egg albumin >pepsin>trypsin. The modified membranes exhibited a higher flux recovery ratio and reduced the irreversible fouling. Overall, the polymeric membrane modified with SPIONs provides a new vision to membrane industries to enhance the antifouling properties.

Graphene in Polymeric Nanocomposite Membranes—Current State and Progress

One important application of polymer/graphene nanocomposites is in membrane technology. In this context, promising polymer/graphene nanocomposites have been developed and applied in the production of high-performance membranes. This review basically highlights the designs, properties, and use of polymer/graphene nanocomposite membranes in the field of gas separation and purification. Various polymer matrices (polysulfone, poly(dimethylsiloxane), poly(methyl methacrylate), polyimide, etc.), have been reinforced with graphene to develop nanocomposite membranes. Various facile strategies, such as solution casting, phase separation, infiltration, self-assembly, etc., have been employed in the design of gas separation polymer/graphene nanocomposite membranes. The inclusion of graphene in polymeric membranes affects their morphology, physical properties, gas permeability, selectivity, and separation processes. Furthermore, the final membrane properties are affected by the nanofiller content, modification, dispersion, and processing conditions. Moreover, the development of polymer/graphene nanofibrous membranes has introduced novelty in the field of gas separation membranes. These high-performance membranes have the potential to overcome challenges arising from gas separation conditions. Hence, this overview provides up-to-date coverage of advances in polymer/graphene nanocomposite membranes, especially for gas separation applications. The separation processes of polymer/graphene nanocomposite membranes (in parting gases) are dependent upon variations in the structural design and processing techniques used. Current challenges and future opportunities related to polymer/graphene nanocomposite membranes are also discussed.

Recent progress in developing polymer nanocomposite membranes with ingenious structures for energy storage capacitors

Recent progress in developing polymer nanocomposite membranes with ingenious structures for energy storage capacitors

Fabrication of Nanoparticle‐Doped Polyvinyl Alcohol‐Cellulose Acetate Membrane and Characterization of the Surface Enhancement

AbstractIn the present study, nanocomposite polymeric membranes are fabricated using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cellulose acetate (CA) as polymers, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the solvent. To enhance the performance of the membrane, nanoparticles like TiO2, CaO, CdO, and ZrO are added to the polymeric solution and the doped polymeric solution is cast on a glass plate. Nine combinations of membranes are fabricated with two different concentrations (0.1% and 0.2%) of nanoparticles. The basic properties of the membranes such as density, porosity, viscosity, permeability, pure water flux, and water content are studied for the samples. Membrane pore structure and surface properties are identified and it is found that doping nanoparticles on the surface of membranes improve mechanical strength, stability, pore size, etc., allowing the membranes to perform better in extreme industrial‐level effluent treatment applications. High‐resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows the homogeneous dispersion of ZrO, TiO2, CaO, and CdO nanoparticles on the surface of the PVA‐CA membrane. The doping of nanoparticles on the PVA‐CA membrane results in improved mechanical strength and good chemical oxidation stability. In comparison, the PCD‐TiO2 sample shows high thermal stability and oxidation stability at high temperatures until 200°C, which has a high potential for treating industrial effluents.

Advanced Polymeric Nanocomposite Membranes for Water and Wastewater Treatment: A Comprehensive Review.

Nanomaterials have been extensively used in polymer nanocomposite membranes due to the inclusion of unique features that enhance water and wastewater treatment performance. Compared to the pristine membranes, the incorporation of nanomodifiers not only improves membrane performance (water permeability, salt rejection, contaminant removal, selectivity), but also the intrinsic properties (hydrophilicity, porosity, antifouling properties, antimicrobial properties, mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability) of these membranes. This review focuses on applications of different types of nanomaterials: zero-dimensional (metal/metal oxide nanoparticles), one-dimensional (carbon nanotubes), two-dimensional (graphene and associated structures), and three-dimensional (zeolites and associated frameworks) nanomaterials combined with polymers towards novel polymeric nanocomposites for water and wastewater treatment applications. This review will show that combinations of nanomaterials and polymers impart enhanced features into the pristine membrane; however, the underlying issues associated with the modification processes and environmental impact of these membranes are less obvious. This review also highlights the utility of computational methods toward understanding the structural and functional properties of the membranes. Here, we highlight the fabrication methods, advantages, challenges, environmental impact, and future scope of these advanced polymeric nanocomposite membrane based systems for water and wastewater treatment applications.

Reinforcing effects of fibrous and crystalline nanocelluloses on cellulose acetate membranes

An innovative approach to selectively separating molecules and ions has been developed using polymer nanocomposite membranes that consist of a continuous polymer phase and a nanofiller phase. To address the challenges associated with filtration, we have developed and compared a nanofibrous cellulose acetate (CA)-based membrane reinforced with cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Several parameters including the morphologies, chemical interactions, and mechanical properties of the membranes were investigated after they were synthesized using the electrospinning technique and after they were heat treated. The polymer solutions were composed of various weight percentages of CNCs, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxyl (TEMPO)-mediated oxidized CNFs (i.e., 0 wt% to 1 wt%), and 15 wt% of CA. Based on our study, the reinforcing properties of TOCNF nanofillers were superior to CNC nanofillers. Heat-treated 0.25TOCNF/CA composite nanofibrous membrane achieved maximum ultimate tensile strength and elongation at the breakpoint of 33.31 MPa and 1.8%, respectively. The process-structure-property relationships outlined in this study can facilitate the fabrication and application of electrospun nanocomposite membranes for the purification of water.

NaCMC-decorated ZnO nanocomposite polymer membranes for the separation of reactive dyes from textile water

Nanostructured ZnO/carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposite-embedded polymer membranes developed for the removal of reactive black 5 (RB5) dye from textile water.

A review on optimistic development of polymeric nanocomposite membrane on environmental remediation

Current health and environmental concerns about the abundance and drawbacks of municipal wastewater as well as industrial effluent have prompted the development of novel and innovative treatment processes. A global shortage of clean water poses significant challenges to the survival of all life forms. For the removal of both biodegradable and non-biodegradable harmful wastes/pollutants from water, sophisticated wastewater treatment technologies are required. Polymer membrane technology is critical to overcoming this major challenge. Polymer matrix-based nanocomposite membranes are among the most popular in polymer membrane technology in terms of convenience. These membranes and their major components are environmentally friendly, energy efficient, cost effective, operationally versatile, and feasible. This review provides an overview of the drawbacks as well as promising developments in polymer membrane and nanocomposite membranes for environmental remediation, with a focus on wastewater treatment. Additionally, the advantages of nanocomposite membranes such as stability, antimicrobial properties, and adsorption processes have been discussed. The goal of this review was to summarize the remediation of harmful pollutants from water and wastewater/effluent using polymer matrix-based nanocomposite membrane technology, and to highlight its shortcomings and future prospects.

Effect of Zr-Nanofiller on Structural and Thermal Properties of PVDF-co-HFP Porous Polymer Electrolyte Membranes Doped with Mg2+ Ions

New poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-co-HFP)/ZrO2-based nanocomposite porous polymer membranes were prepared with doping of magnesium ions using THF as solvent. These membranes were prepared using the solvent casting technique. The optimal nanofiller (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% Zr nanopowder) was incorporated into the PVDF-co-HFP/MgTf3/ZrO2 and the incorporation of the nanofiller results in an increase in the porosity of the prepared membranes. The structural, morphological and thermal properties of the nanocomposite porous polymer membranes were also investigated. The structural investigation and the identification of functional groups were accomplished using FTIR technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to ascertain the phase of polymer membranes and the phase change that happens upon interaction with nanofiller and Mg2+ ions. Assessment of the nanocomposite porous polymer membrane's morphology and porous structure was performed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). DSC analysis was used to evaluate the thermal behaviour of the nanocomposite porous membranes. The electrical and dielectric studies confirmed the structural reformation of the polymer electrolyte materials. It was found that 8% nanofiller is the best conducting composition for maximum ionic conductivity, dielectric constant and Mg2+ ion mobility. The incorporation of ZrO2 nanofiller predominantly increases the number of free ions and mobility of the charge carriers in the composite polymer electrolyte systems.

State-of-the-Art of Polymer/Fullerene C60 Nanocomposite Membranes for Water Treatment: Conceptions, Structural Diversity and Topographies.

To secure existing water resources is one of the imposing challenges to attain sustainability and ecofriendly world. Subsequently, several advanced technologies have been developed for water treatment. The most successful methodology considered so far is the development of water filtration membranes for desalination, ion permeation, and microbes handling. Various types of membranes have been industrialized including nanofiltration, microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultrafiltration membranes. Among polymeric nanocomposites, nanocarbon (fullerene, graphene, and carbon nanotubes)-reinforced nanomaterials have gained research attention owing to notable properties/applications. Here, fullerene has gained important stance amid carbonaceous nanofillers due to zero dimensionality, high surface areas, and exceptional physical properties such as optical, electrical, thermal, mechanical, and other characteristics. Accordingly, a very important application of polymer/fullerene C60 nanocomposites has been observed in the membrane sector. This review is basically focused on talented applications of polymer/fullerene nanocomposite membranes in water treatment. The polymer/fullerene nanostructures bring about numerous revolutions in the field of high-performance membranes because of better permeation, water flux, selectivity, and separation performance. The purpose of this pioneering review is to highlight and summarize current advances in the field of water purification/treatment using polymer and fullerene-based nanocomposite membranes. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of fullerene embedded into a variety of polymer membranes (Nafion, polysulfone, polyamide, polystyrene, etc.) and effects on the enhanced properties and performance of the resulting water treatment membranes. Polymer/fullerene nanocomposite membranes have been developed using solution casting, phase inversion, electrospinning, solid phase synthesis, and other facile methods. The structural diversity of polymer/fullerene nanocomposites facilitates membrane separation processes, especially for valuable or toxic metal ions, salts, and microorganisms. Current challenges and opportunities for future research have also been discussed. Future research on these innovative membrane materials may overwhelm design and performance-related challenging factors.

Effects of carbon nanotubes on structure, performance and properties of polymer nanocomposite membranes for water/wastewater treatment applications: a comprehensive review

Effects of carbon nanotubes on structure, performance and properties of polymer nanocomposite membranes for water/wastewater treatment applications: a comprehensive review