1.6 Advanced Polymeric and Organic–Inorganic Membranes for Pressure-Driven Processes

Abstract

The state of the art of membranes for reverse-osmosis, nanofiltration and gas separation is shortly reviewed, taking in account the most representative examples currently in application. Emphasis is done also on recent developments of advanced polymeric and organic-inorganic materials for pressure driven processes. Many of the more recent membranes are not only polymeric but contain also an inorganic phase. Tailoring innovative materials with organic and inorganic phases coexisting in a nanoscale with multi-functionalization is an appealing approach to control at the same time diffusivity and gas solubility. Other advanced materials, which are now being considered for membrane development are organic or organic-inorganic self-assemblies, metal-organic frameworks and different forms of carbon fillers.

Recent developments of carbon based nanomaterials and membranes for oily wastewater treatment

“…When appropriately embedded into the polymer matrix, GO can signicantly improve mechanical properties of the polymer host, even at low lling amounts. 48 When oriented horizontally in the polymer matrix, GO nanosheets may act as barrier, because they hinder diffusion pathway of permeating molecules across the membranes. A certain small amount range of GO can produce tortuous pathways that restrict the diffusion of larger molecules while still allowing smaller molecules diffuse with less resistance.…”

“…Although the carbon nanomaterials incorporated with polymeric membranes mentioned in previous section exhibit promising oil water separation efficiency, they are not stable under harsh conditions due to low chemical and thermal stability of polymeric membrane support. 16,48 Furthermore, the complicated issues regarding the valuable oil recovery and recycled use of carbon bers have to be considered in the point of economic view. In this regard, carbon-based membranes have drawn tremendous attentions among membrane scientists due to their low cost, superior chemical and mechanical stability, and highly integrated operation.…”

The effects of protein charge patterning on complex coacervation

“…Particularly, in polymer sciences, understanding and controlling phase transitions has enabled considerable progress in membrane technologies, porous glasses, composites, and thermoelectrics. [29][30][31][32][33] As the fundamental understanding of the phase behavior of synthetic polymers has progressed, efforts have turned to sequence-defined biopolymers such as proteins. [34][35][36] Similarly to synthetic macromolecules, understanding the phase behavior of proteins has potential to enable applications in the biotechnology domain, namely in protein isolation and protein delivery systems.…”