Recent advances in the fabrication of advanced composite membranes

Abstract

Composite membranes comprising a continuous polymer phase and a dispersed filler phase have revealed appealing potential in selective transport of molecules and ions. The multiphase characteristics of composite membranes provide more degrees of freedom to manipulate multiple interactions, tailor multiscale structures, and integrate multiple functionalities, compared to pristine polymer membranes. In this feature article, we have reviewed the various methods for the fabrication of composite membranes. In particular, we have thoroughly discussed two typical methods: the physical blending method and the sol–gel method. For each method, the major advances and challenges have been summarized. We have also tentatively delineated the new generation of composite membranes.