Skip to main content

IMIS

A new integrated search interface will become available in the next phase of marineinfo.org.
For the time being, please use IMIS to search available data

 

[ report an error in this record ]basket (0): add | show Print this page

A review of nanoparticle-enhanced membrane distillation membranes: membrane synthesis and applications in water treatment
Nthunya, L.N.; Gutierrez, L.; Derese, S.; Nxumalo, E.N.; Verliefde, A.R.; Mamba, B.B.; Mhlanga, S.D. (2019). A review of nanoparticle-enhanced membrane distillation membranes: membrane synthesis and applications in water treatment. J. Chem. Technol. Biotechnol. 94(9): 2757-2771. https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jctb.5977
In: Journal of chemical technology and biotechnology. Published for the Society of Chemical Industry by Blackwell Scientific Publications: Oxford Oxfordshire. ISSN 0268-2575; e-ISSN 1097-4660, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Author keywords
    nanoscale materials; membrane distillation membranes; water treatmenttechnology; modification; applications

Authors  Top 
  • Nthunya, L.N., more
  • Gutierrez, L., more
  • Derese, S., more
  • Nxumalo, E.N.
  • Verliefde, A.R., more
  • Mamba, B.B.
  • Mhlanga, S.D.

Abstract
    Membrane distillation (MD) is a thermally driven process that uses low-grade energy to operate and has been extensively explored as an alternative cost-effective and efficient water treatment process compared to conventional membrane processes. MD membranes are synthesized from hydrophobic polymers, e.g. polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polypropylene (PP), using various methods including phase inversion and electrospinning techniques. Recent literature on MD membranes clearly shows their important role in surface water/wastewater treatment and seawater desalination. Modification of MD membranes with nanoscale materials significantly improves their performance, preventing wetting and fouling. This review presents a critical assessment of the progress on the use of nanomaterials for the modification of MD membranes. The techniques commonly used to synthesize MD membranes, the modifications that have been adopted for the incorporation of nanomaterials onto membranes, and the unique properties these nanomaterials impart on the membranes are discussed. The use of modified membranes in different MD configurations and their application in groundwater, surface water, wastewater, brackish water and seawater treatment is reviewed. Finally, cost implications, commercial viability, environmental sustainability, and future prospects of MD are also discussed to elucidate promising approaches for a future and successful implementation of MD at an industrial scale.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors