Dimensional Nanofillers in Mixed Matrix Membranes for Pervaporation Separations: A Review

Abstract

Pervaporation (PV) has been an intriguing membrane technology for separating liquid mixtures since its commercialization in the 1980s. The design of highly permselective materials used in this respect has made significant improvements in separation properties, such as selectivity, permeability, and long-term stability. Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs), featuring inorganic fillers dispersed in a polymer matrix to form an organic–inorganic hybrid, have opened up a new avenue to facilely obtain high-performance PV membranes. The combination of inorganic fillers in a polymer matrix endows high flexibility in designing the required separation properties of the membranes, in which various fillers provide specific functions correlated to the separation process. This review discusses recent advances in the use of nanofillers in PV MMMs categorized by dimensions including zero-, one-, two- and three-dimensional nanomaterials. Furthermore, the impact of the nanofillers on the polymer matrix is described to provide in-depth understanding of the structure–performance relationship. Finally, the applications of nanofillers in MMMs for PV separation are summarized.

Enhancing Pervaporation Membrane Selectivity by Incorporating Star Macromolecules Modified with Ionic Liquid for Intensification of Lactic Acid Dehydration

“…Hybrid membranes are developed by loading nanoparticles or other additives into a continuous polymer matrix. The combination of individual properties of polymers and fillers can lead to synergistic effects, including the formation of preferred channels for the selective transport of target compounds and the creation of barriers for undesirable molecules [ 7 , 8 ]. Ionic liquids have attracted attention for their use in various fields since they have such unique properties as low vapor pressure, involatility, non-combustibility, high ion conductivity, etc., and are regarded as environmentally friendly [ 9 ].…”

Asymmetric Mass Transport through Dense Heterogeneous Polymer Membranes: Fundamental Principles, Lessons from Nature, and Artificial Systems

“…[19,20,74] This method allowed us to tune the distribution of CNCs along the transversal direction of the membranes and regulate directionally the transport of water (Figure 6), but also ethanol. [19,20] During the last two decades, mixed-matrix nanocomposite designs have attracted appreciable interest as a strategy to tailor the selectivity and barrier properties of several systems, including membranes for water purification and reverse osmosis, [75][76][77][78][79][80] pervaporation, [81][82][83][84][85] and gas separation applications. [86][87][88][89][90] In our studies, [19,20] we highlighted that casting methods of compositionally graded mixedmatrix designs may also lead to membranes featuring asymmetric transport properties, which could be of interest as a strategy to optimize the spatial distribution of materials and bestow membranes with directional transport properties.…”

A Review of Recent Developments of Pervaporation Membranes for Ethylene Glycol Purification

“…Today, the main task of membrane research is to develop membrane materials with improved strength-deformation characteristics, as well as high selectivities and permeabilities, which can be produced easily and cost-effectively. There are basically three types of membranes, i.e., inorganic, organic, and mixed matrix (MMM) membranes, which are produced from various membrane materials [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. A variety of membranes have been investigated for selective water or methanol removal from EG solutions; however, these materials have certain limitations that prevent their industrial-scale production.…”