Recent Advances on the Fabrication of Antifouling Phase-Inversion Membranes by Physical Blending Modification Method

Abstract

Membrane technology is an essential tool for water treatment and biomedical applications. Despite their extensive use in these fields, polymeric-based membranes still face several challenges, including instability, low mechanical strength, and propensity to fouling. The latter point has attracted the attention of numerous teams worldwide developing antifouling materials for membranes and interfaces. A convenient method to prepare antifouling membranes is via physical blending (or simply blending), which is a one-step method that consists of mixing the main matrix polymer and the antifouling material prior to casting and film formation by a phase inversion process. This review focuses on the recent development (past 10 years) of antifouling membranes via this method and uses different phase-inversion processes including liquid-induced phase separation, vapor induced phase separation, and thermally induced phase separation. Antifouling materials used in these recent studies including polymers, metals, ceramics, and carbon-based and porous nanomaterials are also surveyed. Furthermore, the assessment of antifouling properties and performances are extensively summarized. Finally, we conclude this review with a list of technical and scientific challenges that still need to be overcome to improve the functional properties and widen the range of applications of antifouling membranes prepared by blending modification.

Application of Surface-Modified Nanoclay in a Hybrid Adsorption-Ultrafiltration Process for Enhanced Nitrite Ions Removal: Chemometric Approach vs. Machine Learning

“…The aim of the study presented in this section was to test a more retentive porous membrane for the removal of nitrite ions under the optimal conditions established previously by the SVM model (i.e., SD = 0.674% w / v and pH 7.0). The more retentive porous membrane was prepared in laboratory conditions using the phase-inversion method [ 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ]. In this respect, the non-reactive thermoplastic co-polymer PVDF-HFP was used as the primary polymeric material for membrane fabrication.…”

Current Status and Advancement of Nanomaterials within Polymeric Membranes for Water Purification

“…The process can also be controlled by adjusting the process parameters to produce polymeric membranes that have a precise pore size, porosity, and selectivity. 91,92 This technique holds the benefit of providing versatility and scalability, rendering it appropriate for the expansive manufacturing of the membranes. 81 3.3.…”

“…Phase inversion is one of the most commonly used methods in the production of nanomaterials within polymeric membranes. , The process entails applying a polymer solution onto a substrate and subsequently inducing a phase transition to convert the solution into a solid, porous membrane, as depicted in Figure . The process can also be controlled by adjusting the process parameters to produce polymeric membranes that have a precise pore size, porosity, and selectivity. , This technique holds the benefit of providing versatility and scalability, rendering it appropriate for the expansive manufacturing of the membranes …”

Preparation and Characterization of PVDF–TiO2 Mixed-Matrix Membrane with PVP and PEG as Pore-Forming Agents for BSA Rejection

“…Blending modification transforms membranes by interacting with compatible hydrophilic additives and polymers [ 16 ]. Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) are the solution to this challenge [ 17 ]. The rough and hydrophilic surface of the nanocomposite membranes was created by combining nanoparticles with polymers to improve the properties of polymer membranes (such as mechanical properties, anti-fouling properties, and antibacterial properties) [ 13 ].…”

“…A traditional PVDF casting membrane is prepared using the phase inversion method and mixing it with the hydrophilic polymer material is a simple and effective way to enhance the hydrophilic nature of the membranes [ 19 ]. Inorganic additives such as silica (Si), silica oxide (SiO 2 ), zirconium dioxide (ZrO 2 ), or titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) particles have been investigated for incorporation into membrane matrix to modify polymeric PVDF membrane surfaces [ 17 , 20 , 21 ]. Hydrophilic polymers, for example cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), have also been studied to modify PVDF membranes [ 18 , 19 ].…”