Nanostructured Material and its Application in Membrane Separation Technology

Nanomaterials are defined as materials with at least one dimension in the range of 1 to 100 nanometers and offer new exceptional properties for membrane development. These include nanosized adsorbents, nanomembranes, nanocomposites, photocatalysts, nanotubes, nanoclays, etc. Nanomaterials have remarkable capabilities for preventing the worldwide water crisis through their outstanding performance in membrane development technology. Nanomaterial-based membranes comprising nanoparticles, nanofibers, and 2D layered materials have superior permeability characteristics and antifouling, antibacterial, and photodegradation properties. These extraordinary properties make the membranes highly efficient and selective for water purification. This review article summarizes recently developed nanomaterial-based membranes and their applications for the water treatment process. The focus is on the nanomaterial-based membrane structure design. The variety in constituent structure and alterations provide nanomaterial-based membranes, which are expected to be perfect separation membranes in the future.