Issue 27, 2024

Nanomaterials-modified reverse osmosis membranes: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Because of its great efficiency and widespread application, reverse osmosis (RO) is a popular tool for water desalination and purification. However, traditional RO membranes have a short lifespan due to membrane fouling, deterioration, decreased salt rejection rate, and the low water flux with aging. As a result, membrane modification has received a lot of attention recently, with nanomaterials being extensively researched to improve membrane efficacy and lifespan. Herein, we present an in-depth analysis of recent advances of RO membranes modification utilizing nanomaterials. An overview of the various nanomaterials used for membrane modification, including metal oxides, zeolites, and carbon nanomaterials, is provided. The synthesis techniques and methods of integrating these nanomaterials into RO membranes are also discussed. The impacts of nanomaterial change on the performance of RO membranes are addressed. The underlying mechanisms responsible for RO membrane enhancements by nanomaterials, such as improved surface hydrophilicity, reduced membrane fouling via surface repulsion and anti-adhesion properties, and enhanced structural stability, are discussed. Furthermore, the review provides a critical analysis of the challenges and limitations associated with the use of nanomaterials to modify RO membranes. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the modification of RO membranes with nanomaterials, providing a full grasp of the benefits, challenges, and future prospects of this challenging topic.

Graphical abstract: Nanomaterials-modified reverse osmosis membranes: a comprehensive review

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Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
08 mar 2024
Accepted
02 jun 2024
First published
12 jun 2024
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

RSC Adv., 2024,14, 18879-18906

Nanomaterials-modified reverse osmosis membranes: a comprehensive review

M. A. Ahmed, S. A. Mahmoud and A. A. Mohamed, RSC Adv., 2024, 14, 18879 DOI: 10.1039/D4RA01796J

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

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