Antibiofouling Thin‐Film Nanocomposite Membranes for Sustainable Water Purification

Abstract

Membrane technology provides a reliable and powerful solution to combat the global water crisis by producing fresh water through sustainable desalination. However, the decline in system performance due to membrane biofouling is a limitation and significant efforts have been made to explore fouling control mechanisms and develop simple methods to inhibit or eliminate membrane fouling. Nanotechnology has increased the number of options for the development of antibiofouling membranes by incorporating nanoparticles within the polyamide layer to produce a thin‐film nanocomposite (TFN) structure. This review presents recent advances in the preparation of antifouling TFN membranes and incorporation of different nanoparticles into the design. The review also discusses the strategies and mechanisms for reducing membrane fouling and proposes a future outlook for the field.

The Role of Inorganic and Carbon Nanomaterials in Surface Modification to Attain Antibiofouling Polymeric Membranes for Water Treatment─A Review

“…24 Biofouling is initiated by the adhesion and accumulation of microorganisms, their subsequent growth and multiplication. 11 While growing and multiplying on the membrane surface, many bacteria form intricate multicellular communities termed biofilm, in which bacteria are held together and embedded in the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The predominant microorganisms in biofouled membrane surfaces are bacterial species of Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Corynebacterium, and Arthrobacter genera; fungal species of the Penicillium and Trichoderma genera; and other eukaryotic organisms.…”

“…This type of fouling is the most recalcitrant because: (i) it is not easily reversible, (ii) it is complex due to the growth, multiplication, and subsequent relocation of the foulant microorganisms on the membrane surface, and (iii) pretreatment techniques are rendered inefficient due to strong adhesion of the extracellular polysaccharide layer on the membrane surface . Biofouling is initiated by the adhesion and accumulation of microorganisms, their subsequent growth and multiplication . While growing and multiplying on the membrane surface, many bacteria form intricate multicellular communities termed biofilm, in which bacteria are held together and embedded in the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS).…”

“…Mukherjee et al and Choudhury et al have reviewed and outlined biofouling studies focused on bacteria as targets for treatment. , Their reviews and perspectives have also explored polymer blending and the use of inorganic nanomaterials as a means to modify the membrane surfaces. However, a majority of recently published reviews discuss biofouling as a subset of antifouling and with a focus on the use of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs), ,− quorum sensing, and cleaning as fouling countermeasures. While Taghipour et al reviewed the modification of polymeric membranes, the authors limited their scope to ultrasonically prepared metal organic framework (MOFs), in the process excluding other inorganic nanomaterials.…”

Metal halide perovskite nanocrystals for x-ray scintillators

“…However, some drawbacks, particularly the lead threat, still limit their long-term stability and commercialization. The use of non-toxic elements is good for human health and the environment [58,59]. (e) Schematic of the experimental setup used for real-time x-ray diagnostic imaging of biological samples.…”

Antifouling Systems Based on Copper and Silver Nanoparticles Supported on Silica, Titania, and Silica/Titania Mixed Oxides

“…The need to search for viable solutions to tackle marine biofouling issues has allowed the development of antifouling and anticorrosion coatings associated with the design of nanocomposite materials based on biocidal agents or acting through the so-called fouling release mechanism [ 4 ]. From a general point of view, the development of nanocomposite materials with antimicrobial and antifouling properties represents a well-known topic finding application in many research fields including the fabrication of biomedical devices, water purification systems, and food packaging as well as marine equipment [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”