Ceramic-polymer composite membranes: Synthesis methods and environmental applications

Abstract

The increase in demand for membranes with effective performance and unlimited durability for environmental applications has inspired renewed interest in studies focusing on novel or modified methods of improving pristine membranes. Studies have recently focused on the fabrication of ceramic-polymer composite membranes as one of the strategies for modifying ceramic membranes. The resulting composite combines the merits of the two components of the membranes, thereby resulting in improved membrane properties such as structural integrity, selectivity, penetration rate, chemical and thermal stability, and fouling resistance. The different methods of fabricating ceramic-polymer membranes including dip coating method, interfacial polymerization, graft polymerization, electrostatic self-assembly, and blending are extensively discussed. Factors that affect each fabrication technique were also presented. Furthermore, the environmental applications of ceramic-polymer composite membranes are highlighted, and their use in areas such as wastewater treatment, pervaporation, and desalination are discussed. Finally, challenges and future proposals for improving ceramic-polymer composite membrane performance and potential applications are addressed.