Fouling Prevention in Polymeric Membranes by Radiation Induced Graft Copolymerization

Abstract

The application of membrane processes in various fields has now undergone accelerated developments, despite the presence of some hurdles impacting the process efficiency. Fouling is arguably the main hindrance for a wider implementation of polymeric membranes, particularly in pressure-driven membrane processes, causing higher costs of energy, operation, and maintenance. Radiation induced graft copolymerization (RIGC) is a powerful versatile technique for covalently imparting selected chemical functionalities to membrane surfaces, providing a potential solution to fouling problems. This article aims to systematically review the progress in modifications of polymeric membranes by RIGC of polar monomers onto membranes using various low- and high-energy radiation sources (UV, plasma, γ-rays, and electron beam) for fouling prevention. The feasibility of the modification method with respect to physico-chemical and antifouling properties of the membrane is discussed. Furthermore, the major challenges to the modified membranes in terms of sustainability are outlined and the future research directions are also highlighted. It is expected that this review would attract the attention of membrane developers, users, researchers, and scientists to appreciate the merits of using RIGC for modifying polymeric membranes to mitigate the fouling issue, increase membrane lifespan, and enhance the membrane system efficiency.

Interpenetrating polymer networks for desalination and water remediation: a comprehensive review of research trends and prospects

“…IPNs architecture could also be applied to modify the chemical composition of selective layers, which will significantly enhance the separation performance of the final membrane for removing dye contaminants from water. 20,64…”

“… 19 Taking these advantages into consideration, this approach is utilized to modify the structure of polymeric membranes and adsorbents, where the polymer grows from the primary polymer backbone through conventional polymerization. 20 The IPN structure makes the membrane more effective in terms of mechanical robustness, tunable pore creation, chemical resilience, and antifouling qualities, in comparison to a standard blend membrane. 21…”

“…Additionally, proteins may exhibit substantial steric repulsion toward polymer brushes with long graft chains, which might enhance the antifouling performance of the IPN-based membrane. 20 …”

“… 4 However, the use of IPN strategies improves the modification of polymeric material structure, where the polymer develops from the primary polymer backbone by conventional polymerization. 20 Another benefit of IPN is that different starting monomers may be used depending on the IPN type and contaminant, which improves pore wall and surface modification and create systems suitable for target-specific applications. The possible removal mechanism using IPN based structure is schematically illustrated in Fig.…”

Exploration of advanced cellulosic material for membrane filtration with outstanding antifouling property

“…27 Therefore, many studies have been conducted to modify the polymer of membrane materials. As fouling is rst caused by the interaction between the foulant and the membrane, 28 many improvement measures focusing on surface modication have been investigated, such as graing, 29,30 coating, 31 interfacial polymerization, 28 use of articial nanomaterials, 21 surface patterning, 32 and introduction of a conductive layer. 33 CA is a good membrane material with excellent antifouling properties.…”