Green synthesis of polymeric membranes: Recent advances and future prospects

Abstract

Polymeric membranes are widely used in gas separations, liquid separations, and other processes such as fuel cells. However, methods and processes for manufacturing these membranes are usually harmful to the environment and/or human health. Although many new materials and synthesis methods are reported every year, green synthesis only makes up a small proportion. Therefore, more efforts are necessary to raise researchers' awareness to green synthesis of membranes. One popular strategy to greenly synthesize membranes is to avoid toxic organic solvents or use water to replace organic solvents completely. However, many reported green methods could only realize green synthesis partly. The ultimate goal is to synthesize membranes in a completely eco-friendly way, where raw materials, membrane preparation, post-treatment, and other involved procedures are all "green".

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) based microfiltration membranes: Tailoring the structure by the non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) process

“…One of the best alternatives to these materials is the use of biopolymers, being either biobased, biodegradable or both [6]. In that sense, some literature studies pointed out the need to implement biopolymers as new materials to make more sustainable membranes [7][8][9]. Hence, some biopolymers such as polylactic acid [10][11][12][13], polybutylene succinate [14], alginate [15], starch [16], collagen [17], k-carrageenan [18], agarose [19] and gelatin [19] have been investigated to replace the current polymeric membrane materials within the existing applications.…”

Metal Oxide (ZnO and TiO2) and Fe-Based Metal–Organic-Framework Nanoparticles on 3D-Printed Fractal Polymer Surfaces for Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants

“…Significantly, the various approaches of the process we describe in this study could represent a serious option for the green synthesis of functionalized membranes. Indeed, the use of inorganic NPs in polymeric membranes to obtain tailored functionalities is a growing field of research 20 and plasma-induced grafting can be an efficient and clean route to meet the demand, as we demonstrate herein. The aqueous-phase plasma-aided grafting (APPAG) technique we described in the aforementioned work, 1 allows for the facile preparation of various hybrid photocatalysts in mild conditions and using low amounts of chemical additives, in the form of coupling agents.…”

“…Significantly, the various approaches of the process we describe in this study could represent a serious option for the green synthesis of functionalized membranes. Indeed, the use of inorganic NPs in polymeric membranes to obtain tailored functionalities is a growing field of research and plasma-induced grafting can be an efficient and clean route to meet the demand, as we demonstrate herein.…”

Kinetic control concept for the diffusion processes of paracetamol active molecules across affinity polymer membranes from acidic solutions

“…This step is important in the PIM membrane development process. The approach facilitates the cross-linking between the extractive agent and the polymer, inducing faster cross-linking kinetics [ 41 ]. The PIM obtained by this experimental protocol (heat vulcanization method) was homogenous, transparent, flexible, and mechanically strong [ 42 , 43 ].…”