Thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane technologies for the removal of emerging contaminants from wastewater

Thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes, consisting of nanoparticles and polyamide barriers are an efficient separation tool for removal emerging wastes from water. In the last decade, conventional and advanced approaches for TFN membrane preparation have been developed. In addition, nanomaterials with low fouling tendency, high chemical resistance and versatile pore/channel structures are applied in the field of TFN membrane fabrication. Here, the state-of-the-art developments of TFN membranes for water treatment are comprehensively reviewed. Recent advances in the design/fabrication/modification of nanomaterials as well as the functionalization/optimization of TFN membranes are discussed in detail. The capital and operational expenditures (CAPEX and OPEX) analysis, the technological readiness level (TRL) and the patent-related status of the TFN membranes are then overviewed. It is found that most of the reported TFN membranes have been validated in a laboratory setting (TRL 4) and are gradually being validated/demonstrated in relevant environment (TRL 5/ 6). But, as far as we can see, translation of these researches to industry is yet to come since we found no report of associated patent licensing or startup creation. Therefore, the challenges and limitations of TFN membranes at the current stage are discussed, possible solutions are presented, and suggestions for future research on TFN membranes for water treatment are outlined.