AbstractArtificial neural networks (ANNs) as a powerful technique for solving complicated problems in membrane separation processes have been employed in a wide range of chemical engineering applications. ANNs can be used in the modeling of different processes more easily than other modeling methods. Besides that, the computing time in the design of a membrane separation plant is shorter compared to many mass transfer models. The membrane separation field requires an alternative model that can work alone or in parallel with theoretical or numerical types, which can be quicker and, many a time, much more reliable. They are helpful in cases when scientists do not thoroughly know the physical and chemical rules that govern systems. In ANN modeling, there is no requirement for a deep knowledge of the processes and mathematical equations that govern them. Neural networks are commonly used for the estimation of membrane performance characteristics such as the permeate flux and rejection over the entire range of the process variables, such as pressure, solute concentration, temperature, superficial flow velocity, etc. This review investigates the important aspects of ANNs such as methods of development and training, and modeling strategies in correlation with different types of applications [microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), reverse osmosis (RO), electrodialysis (ED), etc.]. It also deals with particular types of ANNs that have been confirmed to be effective in practical applications and points out the advantages and disadvantages of using them. The combination of ANN with accurate model predictions and a mechanistic model with less accurate predictions that render physical and chemical laws can provide a thorough understanding of a process.

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A novel modified electrode based on cerium vanadate and copper tungstate (CeVO4-CuWO4) nanocomposite was prepared as a sensitive sensor for the methyldopa. The prepared nanocomposite was characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscope (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques were applied for the evaluation of the electrochemical performance of the sensor. The enhanced active surface area, electro-catalytic activity, and expedient conductivity provided by the CeVO4-CuWO4 nanocomposite led to the peak current increment with a well-resolved anodic peak for methyldopa in the presence of potential interferences. The CeVO4-CuWO4 nanocomposite-based modified electrode successfully measured methyldopa over a wide concentration range of 0.02–400 μM with the low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.006 μM. The findings of the methyldopa sensing in human serum samples verified the proper efficiency of the proposed sensor.