Recent advances in thin-film nanocomposite membranes for efficient pervaporation desalination

Abstract

Pervaporation (PV) desalination using thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes has emerged as a promising solution to global water scarcity, offering exceptional salt rejection, broad salinity tolerance, and high water recovery efficiency. Membrane performance is governed by the structural architecture and chemical composition of the selective, gutter, and support layers, which collectively regulate water transport through nanoengineered channels. In this review, we critically discuss the fundamental mechanisms underpinning PV desalination, operational parameters, process configurations, and recent advances in TFN membranes. Special emphasis is placed on material–structure–property relationships, particularly the role of nanomaterials in selective layers, as they demonstrate potential to address the trade-off between water flux and salt rejection. Furthermore, we summarize the current status and challenges of TFN membranes in PV desalination, including fouling and scalable fabrication. Future directions should focus on rational membrane design, scalable fabrication, and practical evaluation of desalination performance. Consequently, high-performance TFN membranes are expected to emerge as a critical pathway toward sustainable, high-efficiency PV desalination systems.