Recent development of membranes modified with natural compounds: Preparation methods and applications in water treatment
Waldemar Jankowski, Guoqiang Li, Wojciech Kujawski, Joanna Kujawa
Abstract
A new, environmentally-friendly mindset is being forced to emerge in many areas of society, including industry and science, as a result of escalating pollution and the effects of climate change. The treatment of industrial wastewater is one of the pressing issues. The use of membrane techniques to address that problem is gaining popularity. Furthermore, biomimetics of natural surfaces frequently aids in the discovery of new and more efficient solutions. In this review, the physicochemical characteristics of hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces were highlighted. Moreover, methods of modification to acquire enhanced antifouling and antiwetting/self-cleaning surface properties were summarized. Additionally, recent advancements in the use of membranes modified with natural compounds for seawater desalination, oil/water separation, and dye removal from an industrial wastewater were presented. Finally, a brief discussion of future challenges in membrane science was performed.