Progress on Improved Fouling Resistance-Nanofibrous Membrane for Membrane Distillation: A Mini-Review
Yong Zen Tan,
Nur Hashimah Alias,
Mohd Haiqal Abd Aziz,
Juhana Jaafar,
Faten Ermala Che Othman,
Jia Wei Chew
Affiliations
Yong Zen Tan
School of Chemistry, Chemical and Biotechnology Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
Nur Hashimah Alias
School of Chemistry, Chemical and Biotechnology Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
Mohd Haiqal Abd Aziz
Department of Chemical Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Pagoh Higher Education Hub Muar, Batu Pahat 84600, Johor, Malaysia
Juhana Jaafar
Advanced Membrane Technology Research Center (AMTEC), School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia
Faten Ermala Che Othman
Digital Manufacturing & Design Center (DManD), Singapore University of Technology & Design, 8 Somapah Road, Singapore 487372, Singapore
Jia Wei Chew
School of Chemistry, Chemical and Biotechnology Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore
Nanofibrous membranes for membrane distillation (MD) have demonstrated promising results in treating various water and wastewater streams. Significant progress has been made in recent decades because of the development of sophisticated membrane materials, such as superhydrophobic, omniphobic and Janus membranes. However, fouling and wetting remain crucial issues for long-term operation. This mini-review summarizes ideas as well as their limitations in understanding the fouling in membrane distillation, comprising organic, inorganic and biofouling. This review also provides progress in developing antifouling nanofibrous membranes for membrane distillation and ongoing modifications on nanofiber membranes for improved membrane distillation performance. Lastly, challenges and future ways to develop antifouling nanofiber membranes for MD application have been systematically elaborated. The present mini-review will interest scientists and engineers searching for the progress in MD development and its solutions to the MD fouling issues.
