Overview of Membrane Science and Technology in Portugal

Abstract

Membrane research in Portugal is aligned with global concerns and expectations for sustainable social development, thus progressively focusing on the use of natural resources and renewable energy. This review begins by addressing the pioneer work on membrane science and technology in Portugal by the research groups of Instituto Superior Técnico—Universidade de Lisboa (IST), NOVA School of Science and Technology—Universidade Nova de Lisboa (FCT NOVA) and Faculdade de Engenharia—Universidade do Porto (FEUP) aiming to provide an historical perspective on the topic. Then, an overview of the trends and challenges in membrane processes and materials, mostly in the last five years, involving Portuguese researchers, is presented as a contribution to a more sustainable water–energy–material–food nexus.

A Mini Review on Treatment of Wastewater with Membrane Technology

“…The membrane technology has a low lab-experimental history before its first industrial application in 1960s [1][2][3]. In 1748, Abbe' Nollet makes an accidental discovery of the earliest known membrane phenomenon, which is called osmosis [4].…”

“…In 1748, Abbe' Nollet makes an accidental discovery of the earliest known membrane phenomenon, which is called osmosis [4]. Between 1907 and 1920, Zsigmondy creates molecular filters which are the first microfilters and ultrafilters [1][2][3]5]. Teorell and Meyer's (1930) study on transport over neutral and fixed-charge membranes provided the foundation for electrodialysis membranes and modern membrane electrodes [1][2][3]6].…”

State of the Art Membrane Science and Technology in the Iberian Peninsula 2021–2022

“…Regarding the Portuguese-side contributions, the review by Tomé et al [ 14 ] addressed the pioneering work on membrane science and technology in Portugal by the research groups of Instituto Superior Técnico—Universidade de Lisboa (IST), NOVA School of Science and Technology—Universidade Nova de Lisboa (FCT NOVA) and Faculdade de Engenharia—Universidade do Porto (FEUP) aiming to provide a historical perspective on the topic. Then, it overviewed the trends and challenges in membrane processes and materials involving Portuguese researchers, contributing to a more sustainable water–energy–material–food nexus.…”

“…Rita et al [16] explored the use of membrane filtration to treat spent caustic effluents from Sines Refinery, in Portugal. These effluents are very challenging due to their very hazardous nature in terms of toxicity (rich in mercaptans, sulfides and other aromatic compounds) as well as their extreme pH (approximately [12][13][14]. The potential of nanofiltration (NF) polymeric and ceramic membranes was assessed by membrane life expectancy.…”