Membrane filters are a fundamental component of modern filtration technology and enable precise separation processes in various industries. This page provides an overview of recent developments in membrane filters and examines the materials that improve efficiency, selectivity and sustainability in liquid and gas filtration.

Polymer Membranes:

Polyethersulphone (PES):

• PES membranes exhibit high chemical resistance and thermal stability, thereby making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
• Owing to their versatility and measurable permeation rates, these membranes are frequently employed in the pharmaceutical, biotechnological, and food and beverage industries.

Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF):

• PVDF membranes demonstrate high chemical resistance and durability and are employed in processes that involve aggressive solvents and chemicals.
• They are utilised in the pharmaceutical, electronics, and water treatment industries given that they maintain reliable performance under demanding filtration conditions.

Ceramic Membranes:

Ceramics Based on Zirconium Dioxide and Aluminium Oxide:

• Ceramic membranes, commonly composed of zirconium dioxide and aluminium oxide, offer durability and resistance to high temperatures and aggressive chemicals.
• They are applied in wastewater treatment, the oil and gas industry, and the dairy sector, thereby providing extended operational lifetimes and consistent performance.

Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Nanotube Membranes:

• TiO2 nanotube membranes exhibit photocatalytic properties that enable self-cleaning when exposed to light.
• They are employed in water treatment to maintain efficient and sustainable filtration processes.

Nanostructured Membranes:

Graphene Oxide (GO) Membranes:

• GO membranes utilise the properties of graphene oxide, including a large surface area and molecular selectivity.
• They are used in desalination, gas separation, and water treatment and demonstrate improved permeability and selectivity.

Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Membranes:

• CNT membranes display high mechanical strength and thermal conductivity.
• They find application in water desalination and gas separation, where their structure enhances transport properties and filtration efficiency.

Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs):

MOF-Based Membranes:

• MOFs, which exhibit high porosity and tunable properties, are integrated into membranes for precise molecular separation.
• These membranes have potential applications in gas storage, carbon capture, and selective separation processes.

Advanced Coatings:

Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Coatings:

• Coatings with hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties increase resistance against fouling and enhance water repellence.
• They are applied to membranes to extend the operational lifespan in liquid separation processes.

Antimicrobial Coatings:

• Membrane filters with antimicrobial coatings inhibit bacterial growth and biofouling, thereby maintaining consistent filtration performance.
• Such coatings are utilised in medical technology, food processing, and water treatment.

Responsive Membranes:

Stimuli-Responsive Membranes:

• Membranes that respond to stimuli, such as pH or temperature changes, enable controlled adjustment of separation processes.
• They contribute to increased efficiency and adaptability in various industrial applications.

Environmental Aspects:

Recyclable and Biodegradable Materials:

• Research into recyclable and biodegradable membrane materials forms part of the pursuit of sustainable filtration solutions.
• These materials comply with environmentally friendly practices and minimise the environmental impact of membrane production and disposal.