Materials for next-generation desalination and water purification membranes

Materials for next-generation desalination and water purification membranes

Type	Journal Article
Author	Jay R. Werber
Author	Chinedum O. Osuji
URL	http://www.nature.com/articles/natrevmats201618
Volume	1
Issue	5
Pages	16018
Publication	Nature Reviews Materials
Date	2016-4-5
Abstract	Membrane-based separations for water purification and desalination have been employed to address the global challenges of water scarcity and the pollution of aquatic environments. Unfortunately, progress in water purification membranes has been constrained by the inherent limitations of conventional membrane materials. Recent advances in methods for controlling the structure and chemical functionality in polymer films can potentially lead to new classes of membranes for water purification. Authors review the state of the art of existing membrane technologies for water purification and desalination, highlight their inherent limitations and establish the urgent requirements for next-generation membranes. They describe molecular-level design approaches towards fabricating highly selective membranes, focusing on novel materials such as aquaporin, synthetic nanochannels, graphene and self-assembled block copolymers and small molecules. They conclude by highlighting promising membrane surface modification approaches that minimize interfacial interactions and enhance fouling resistance.