Polymer Nanocomposite Membrane for Wastewater Treatment: A Critical Review

Abstract

With regard to global concerns, such as water scarcity and aquatic pollution from industries and domestic activities, membrane-based filtration for wastewater treatment has shown promising results in terms of water purification. Filtration by polymeric membranes is highly efficient in separating contaminants; however, such membranes have limited applications. Nanocomposite membranes, which are formed by adding nanofillers to polymeric membrane matrices, can enhance the filtration process. Considerable attention has been given to nanofillers, which include carbon-based nanoparticles and metal/metal oxide nanoparticles. In this review, we first examined the current status of membrane technologies for water filtration, polymeric nanocomposite membranes, and their applications. Additionally, we highlight the challenges faced in water treatment in developing countries.

Keywords: fouling; nanofiller; permeability; polymer nanocomposite membrane.

Figure 1

Water flux of polymer blend membranes (reproduced with permission from [22] copyright 2017, Elsevier).

Figure 2

Tensile properties with applied gamma radiation. The symbols for gamma radiation * and # denotes 40 and 60 wt.% of rice husk fibers, for gamma radiation doses as compared to unirradiated, 25 and 50 kGy are are denoted by @, ◆ and ● (reproduced with permission from [24] copyright 2021, Elsevier).

Figure 3

(a) Illustration of water permeance, (b) membrane desalination studies with dZIF-8 concentrations in seawater (reproduced with permission from [35] copyright 2021, Elsevier).

Figure 4

Barrier properties of water vapor (a) and oxygen permeability of polymer nanocomposite. (A) the polyacrylic acid (PAA)/montmorillonite (MMT) and (B) the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films coated with PAA/MMT nanocomposites (reproduced with permission from [41] copyright 2021, Wiley).

Figure 5

Schematic illustration of water treatment application.

Figure 6

Representation of automobile production process.

Figure 7

Schematic representation of the meat processing industry.

Figure 8

Tea manufacturing process.

Figure 9

Pharmaceutical waste and wastewater disposal in the environment.

Figure 10

Industrial wastewater treatment.

Figure 11

(A) Picture of samples submerged in seawater till 45 days; (B) temperature, oxygen, and pH level of seawater (reproduced with permission from [113] copyright 2021, Elsevier); (C) preparation (a) and mechanism (b) of graphene oxide nanocomposite membrane (reproduced with permission from [118] copyright 2021, ACS).