Surface and interface engineering for organic–inorganic composite membranes

Abstract

Organic–inorganic composite (OIC) membranes have received great attention over the past decades due to their enhanced performances in many applications. It is well known that surfaces and interfaces play crucial roles in the fabrication and application of the OIC membranes. In this review, we summarize the typical processes used to fabricate the OIC membranes and categorize these membranes as either mixed matrix OIC membranes or interfacial composite OIC membranes, and primarily focus on how the organic–inorganic interfaces influence the membrane formation process and its final structure. Then we reveal how the membrane surfaces and organic–inorganic interfaces in the membrane affect the final performance in certain applications. Through this review, we wish to provide a comprehensive guide to membrane fabrication and regulation, as well as a better understanding of the structure–performance relationships in OIC membranes.