Nanofiltration Membrane Based on Novel Materials

Nanofiltration (NF) separation technology, whose characteristics fall between ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis, makes up one of the most significant categories for intrinsic advantages such as low operating pressure, no phase transition and high. energy efficiency. However, membrane fouling and "trade-off" between permeability/selectivity are two main challenges to the application of NF membrane and design of new NF membranes. Membrane materials play the pivotal role in any membrane. based technologies. Therefore, the exploitation of novel membrane materials has been a major methodology to fabricate membranes with optimum performances, high. energy efficiency and relatively low cost. In this review, the scientific and technological advances in development of promising materials for NF membrane preparation and application in recent years are outlined. The materials can be classified into three types, including novel organic NF membrane materials, novel inorganic NF membrane materials, and novel organic. inorganic hybrid NF membrane materials, according to the membrane structures and the distribution and variety of materials in membranes. In addition, the universal characters of these new NF membrane materials as well as their respective main problems are set forth. Finally, the challenges and directions for future research in developing new promising NF membrane materials to achieve efficient means in commercialization are also prospected.