Inorganic-organic nanocomposite membranes for water purification: fouling mechanism and performance enhancement

چکیده مقاله

Nanocomposite membranes have gained significant attention for advanced water and wastewater treatment due to the functional enhancements provided by inorganic and organic nanomaterials. This review evaluates how nanoparticle incorporation influences membrane hydrophilicity, permeability, selectivity, and fouling resistance, with emphasis on metal oxides, carbon-based nanostructures, and metal–organic frameworks. Evidence across recent studies shows that nanofillers such as Ag, Fe₃O₄, CNTs, TiO₂, GO, and ZnO can substantially improve water flux, contaminant rejection, and membrane stability through tailored nanoparticle–polymer interactions. However, performance inconsistencies remain common, largely due to challenges in achieving uniform nanofiller dispersion, preventing aggregation, and minimizing nanoparticle leaching. High-performing formulations, including PVDF/SiO₂, SiO₂/PTFE, chitosan/MWCNTs-PES TFN, PVP/UiO-66-NH₂ TFN, and Cu-MOF–polydopamine membranes, demonstrate the potential of nanocomposite designs for scalable water purification. Despite these advancements, key barriers to industrial adoption persist, including limited large-scale fabrication methods and insufficient understanding of fouling mechanisms under real wastewater conditions. Future research should prioritize controlled dispersion strategies, standardized fouling evaluation protocols, and scalable synthesis routes that maintain nanomaterial stability. These insights provide a foundation for developing durable, high-performance nanocomposite membranes that support sustainable water treatment and environmental remediation.