A review of nanoparticle‐enhanced membrane distillation membranes: membrane synthesis and applications in water treatment

Abstract

Membrane distillation (MD) is a thermally driven process that uses low‐grade energy to operate and has been extensively explored as an alternative cost‐effective and efficient water treatment process compared to conventional membrane processes. MD membranes are synthesized from hydrophobic polymers, e.g. polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polypropylene (PP), using various methods including phase inversion and electrospinning techniques. Recent literature on MD membranes clearly shows their important role in surface water/wastewater treatment and seawater desalination. Modification of MD membranes with nanoscale materials significantly improves their performance, preventing wetting and fouling. This review presents a critical assessment of the progress on the use of nanomaterials for the modification of MD membranes. The techniques commonly used to synthesize MD membranes, the modifications that have been adopted for the incorporation of nanomaterials onto membranes, and the unique properties these nanomaterials impart on the membranes are discussed. The use of modified membranes in different MD configurations and their application in groundwater, surface water, wastewater, brackish water and seawater treatment is reviewed. Finally, cost implications, commercial viability, environmental sustainability, and future prospects of MD are also discussed to elucidate promising approaches for a future and successful implementation of MD at an industrial scale. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry

Enhancement of Flux Performance in PTFE Membranes for Direct Contact Membrane Distillation

“…In other words, the limiting factor of flux is not temperature polarization but the length of vapor transport within the pores. In order to modify the surface of membranes and introduce hydrophilic or hydrophobic characteristics, a number of methods have been applied, both chemical and physical, including, among others, dip coating, grafting, etching, irradiation, and plasma [30][31][32].…”

The Recent Progress in Modification of Polymeric Membranes Using Organic Macromolecules for Water Treatment

“…The shortage of fresh water caused by population growth, climate change, industrial development, energy plant and urbanization are the most critical challenge facing mankind today [1,2]. These anthropogenic activities introduce various organic and inorganic contaminants into the water systems [1,3]. Worsening the issue, only 2.5% of the water on Earth is safe for consumption and most of this freshwater is locked in the form of glaciers, icecaps and underground water [4].…”

Enhanced flux in direct contact membrane distillation using superhydrophobic PVDF nanofibre membranes embedded with organically modified SiO2 nanoparticles

“…The MD process is an alternative high‐purity water production technology that uses low‐grade energy . Although MD is a promising technology currently being tested at the laboratory scale, its industrial implementation has been limited due to process efficiency and operational costs .…”

“…7 The MD process is an alternative high-purity water production technology that uses low-grade energy. 8 Although MD is a promising technology currently being tested at the laboratory scale, 9 its industrial implementation has been limited due to process efficiency and operational costs. 10 Nonetheless, MD is expected to reach a considerable and sustainable water production capacity due to the use of renewable energy and cost-effective waste heat.…”