Advancements in gas-liquid separation based on membrane contactors: Critical factors enhancing separation efficiency

Energy-efficient separation and purification technologies are essential in environmental monitoring and industrial applications. As an emerging technology, membrane contactors are gradually replacing traditional separation and purification methods, attracting attention for their small footprint, low energy consumption, safe and controllable operation, and highly efficient gas removal rates. This review article details the latest research advances in gas-liquid separation technology based on membrane contactors and explores strategies to improve the separation performance of membrane contactors, especially in terms of both the internal materials of the membranes and the external operating conditions. Highlights include the selection of membrane materials, the optimization of membrane structures, the regulation of fluid flow characteristics, and the fine management of operating parameters. In addition, the widespread use of gas-liquid separation in chemical processes makes it a key technology, and the miniaturized design of membrane contactors offers new possibilities for increasing the efficiency of the transport process in related separation operations. The article concludes with a discussion of the main challenges and prospects of membrane contactors in practical applications. It proposes directions for further research aimed at enhancing the potential and usefulness of membrane contactors technology in industry.