Advances in High-Performance Nanofiltration Membranes Facilitated by Two-Dimensional Materials

Abstract

Nanofiltration membranes (NF) have been widely used in the field of water treatment because of their advantages of high separation precision, easy operation, and no phase change. Conventional NF membranes, ensnared by the “trade-off” effect, grapple with the challenge of achieving breakthroughs in both separation efficacy and stability. Recent advancements in research have unveiled the potential of nanoscale porous two-dimensional (2D) materials, characterized by their atomic thinness and superlative mechanical strength. These materials, crafted into nanofiltration membranes as thin as a single atom, boast minimal transport resistance and maximal permeation flux, thereby facilitating the highly discerning transport of water, and are heralded as the quintessential materials for fabricating ultra-thin membranes. This comprehensive review delves into the latest advancements in the research on 2D material NF membranes. A range of performance aspects related to 2D-material-modified NF membranes, including water flux, permeability, pollutant retention rates, and anti-pollution performance, were evaluated, and this review covers the impact of and major approaches to optimizing membrane performance in recent years, providing valuable insights into potential future developments in NF membranes.

Keywords

• nanofiltration membrane
• two-dimensional materials
• membrane modification
• high flux
• improved antifouling performance