Advances in pervaporation desalination based on polymer membranes

Abstract

Desalination is the process of removing salts and minerals from saline water to produce potable water. It is a critical global challenge due to the increasing demand for freshwater. Pervaporation (PV) is a membrane-based separation process that combines sorption and permeation, and it has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional desalination methods. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the development and application of polymer membranes for PV desalination. We begin by discussing the fundamental principles of PV and exploring its mechanism, underscoring its preparation methods, such as solution coating, solution casting, and interfacial polymerization. The review then delves into various types of polymer membranes used in PV desalination, such as cellulose and its derivatives, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylonitrile, polyamides and sulfonated block copolymers, describing their chemical structures, synthetic techniques, and performance characteristics. Special attention is given to the role of membrane properties—such as hydrophilicity, compositions and functionality—in determining the efficiency of salt rejection and water flux. Then, the cleaning of contaminated PV polymer-based membranes is reviewed. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and limitations associated with polymer membranes in PV desalination, which include fouling, swelling, and chemical degradation, and present strategies to mitigate these issues. The review aims to serve as a resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers interested in advancing the state of the art in PV desalination technologies and addressing the global water scarcity crisis through innovative membrane science.