Structure and mechanism of nanoengineered membranes toward per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) removal from water: A critical review

As a group of hazardous and bioaccumulative molecules, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) threaten the health of ecosystems and humans. A growing body of research suggests that nanoengineered membranes can effectively remove PFAS from water media over conventional technologies. However, there has been a lack of discussion on the different types of membrane materials and the mechanisms involved in PFAS removal. This review thus seeks to fill the knowledge gap by critically assessing different membrane materials, particularly nanocomposites and electrospun nanofiber. Besides discussing the mechanisms underlying PFAS removal, this work also reviewed environmental and operational factors that can impact the efficiency of PFAS removal from water. In addition, future research directions were provided upon analyzing the challenges and opportunities in this membrane field.