Polymeric Membranes for Advanced Separation and Sensing: Materials and Mechanisms for Emerging Applications–A Review
Salma Sultana, Debdyuti Chakraborty, Mohammad Anwar Parvez, Mohammed Rehaan Chandan, Mostafizur Rahaman
Abstract
Abstract Polymeric membranes have emerged as pivotal tools in advanced separation technologies due to their tunable properties, processability, and cost‐effectiveness. This review critically evaluates recent advancements in membrane technologies, with a focus on their applications in water treatment, energy systems, and biomedical fields. Notable developments include nanocomposite membranes with enhanced performance, such as PSF/MXene membranes achieving > 95% rejection of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and water permeabilities exceeding 400 L·m⁻ 2 ·h⁻¹·bar⁻¹. Electrospun nanofibrous membranes demonstrated flux values ranging from 6898 to 18,614 L·m⁻ 2 ·h⁻¹ for oily wastewater filtration. Functionalized UF membranes incorporating TiO₂‐HNTs and Ag‐PDA‐HNTs achieved > 98% BSA rejection and superior antifouling capabilities. Smart membranes, such as PNIPAM‐modified systems, showed reversible wettability changes and temperature‐responsive permeability. Additionally, 3D‐printed and TIPS‐fabricated membranes showcased improved selectivity and mechanical robustness. Environmentally friendly fabrication using green solvents, such as Rhodiasolv PolarClean®, enabled the production of high‐performance membranes with rejection rates of over 85% for NaCl and over 93% for MgCl₂. Despite these advancements, challenges like fouling, high fabrication costs, and the permeability–selectivity trade‐off persist. Strategies such as nanomaterial integration, stimuli‐responsive design, and circular economy‐aligned biodegradable polymers are analyzed as pathways for next‐generation sustainable membranes.