Graphene-based composite membranes for nanofiltration: performances and future perspectives

Abstract

Nanofiltration is one of the most widely used membrane processes for water purification with high practical value because of a large number of chemical species that are separated through this process. Usually, for nanofiltration, high energy–consuming operations are involved including the generation of enough pressure for the rejection of jumps and lower molecular weight chemicals at the surface of the membrane. Recent developments in the synthesis of nanocomposite membranes with graphene and graphene derivatives have led to an increase in energy requirements and the increase in membranes performances. In the present review, we have presented the recent advances in the field of graphene-based composite membranes for nanofiltration with applications for both types of based solvents—aqueous solutions and organic solvents. The presentation will be focused especially on the performances of membranes and applications of these materials for the rejection of salts (Na+, Mg2+), heavy metals (Li2+), and lower molecular weight organic compounds (methylene blue, Congo red, Direct Red, Methyl orange, Reactive green 13, etc.). Modern synthesis methods like interfacial polymerization for obtaining thin-film composite nanofiltration membranes are also presented.

Chemically Cross-Linked Graphene Oxide as a Selective Layer on Electrospun Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanofiber Membrane for Nanofiltration Application

“…In recent years, graphite-based materials such as graphene, graphene oxide (GO), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have gained significant attention as additives or components in membrane fabrication of water purification membranes [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. These materials feature salient characteristics such as ease of fabrication, chemical amenability to functionalization, and high mechanical strength [9][10][11].…”

A Novel Generation of Polysulfone/Crown Ether-Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxide Membranes with Potential Applications in Hemodialysis

“…After a short decrease (at first hour of recirculation), attributed to the hydrodynamic stabilization of membranes, the composite membrane showed a more stable behaviour, the flux remaining constant in comparison with the neat PSF membrane. This can be explained by the mechanical stabilization of membrane structure given by the presence of the graphene and its high surface area [ 32 ]. The measured contact angle was 86.5°, respectively 81.6° for polysulfone, respectively polysulfone composite membrane.…”

“…Membrane materials have proven their usefulness and necessity due to their selectivity and large number of practical employments such as water purification by retention of heavy metal ions [ 30 , 31 , 32 ] and pollutants from the pharmaceutical industry [ 33 , 34 , 35 ], or biomedical applications [ 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ]. According to various studies, the incorporation of carbonaceous compounds into polymeric membranes increases their thermal stability, improves bioactivity and mechanical properties [ 4 ].…”

Functionalized Hemodialysis Polysulfone Membranes with Improved Hemocompatibility

“…Membrane materials, initially widely used for water filtration and drinkable water production [ 4 , 5 , 6 ], have found widespread applicability in the last 50 years in other areas, such as filtering in the food industry, the energy industry [ 7 , 8 ], catalysis [ 9 ], sensors [ 10 ], etc. One of the areas in which the importance of membrane materials has grown exponentially lately, is biomedical sciences [ 11 ].…”