Poly(arylene ether)s-Based Polymeric Membranes Applied for Water Purification in Harsh Environment Conditions: A Mini-Review

Abstract

Confronting the pressing challenge of freshwater scarcity, polymeric membrane-based water treatment technology has emerged as an essential and effective approach. Poly(arylene ether)s (PAEs) polymers, a class of high-performance engineering thermoplastics, have garnered attention in recent decades as promising membrane materials for advanced water treatment approaches. The PAE-Based membranes are employed to resist the shortages of most common polymeric membranes, such as chemical instability, structural damage, membrane fouling, and shortened lifespan when deployed in harsh environments, owing to their excellent comprehensive performance. This article presents the advancements in the research of several typical PAEs, including poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK), polyethersulfone (PES), and poly(arylene ether nitrile) (PEN). Techniques for membrane formation, modification strategies, and applications in water treatment have been reviewed. The applications encompass processes for oil/water separation, desalination, and wastewater treatment, which involve the removal of heavy metal ions, dyes, oils, and other organic pollutants. The commendable performance of these membranes has been summarized in terms of corrosion resistance, high-temperature resistance, anti-fouling properties, and durability in challenging environments. In addition, several recommendations for further research aimed at developing efficient and robust PAE-based membranes are proposed.

Keywords: harsh environments; high-performance application; poly(arylene ether)s; polymeric membranes; water purification.

Figure 4

Schematic diagram of silane-grafted hydrophobic PEEK hollow fiber membranes successfully produced using a one-step reduction and silane modification method (a) [36], synthesis of sidechain sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK), and preparation of PEEK-SPEEK nanofiltration membranes using a simple dip-coating and heat treatment (b); CR removal rate (c) [30].

Figure 5

Typical molecular structure of PES (a), schematic representation of silver leaching and anti-biofouling effect of Ag NPs-APES samples (b) [54], schematic diagram of PES ultrafiltration membrane prepared using the phase change method (c) [58], schematic representation of PES-Ni@UiO-66 membranes prepared using an in situ reduction reaction (d) [59], pictures of the removal of 2,4,6-TCP via HPEI/MWCNTs/Fe-Cu/PES membranes (e) [55].

Figure 7

The structural general formula of PEN (a). Schematic diagram of electrostatic spinning (b) [13]. Preparation process of PEN/P−TiO₂ nanofiber composite membranes (c) [74]. Adsorption effect of Ag@MXene/PEN fiber composite membranes on different dyes (d,e) [78]. The photocatalytic ability of MO and CV of Ag@MXene/PEN and inhibitory effect on E. coli (f–h) [79].

Figure 1

Typical molecular structure of PEEK (a) [32], melting preparation process of PEEK membrane (b) [19], double superhydrophobicity and good switching stability of PEEK membranes (c) [37], and diagrammatic sketch of the preparation for the ZnO nanoneedle-modified PEEK fiber felt (d) [38].

Figure 2

Oxide/polyetheretherketone (PANI@GO/PEEK) membranes are prepared using multifaceted in situ anchoring via PANI [44].

Figure 3

Oxide/polyetheretherketone (PANI@GO/PEEK) membranes prepared using multifaceted in situ anchoring via PANI (a) [48] and Polyetherimide (PEI)/PEEK blends melt spinning and PEI extraction for the preparation of PEEK hollow fiber membranes (PHFM) (b) [41].

Figure 6

Adsorption effect of PES/CO adsorption film on Congo red dye (a), plot of pH on adsorption effect (b) [66], schematic diagram of PES/HPC co-blended nanofibrous membrane prepared using the one-step electrostatic spinning method (c), and adsorption mechanism diagram (d) [56].