Ceramic membranes applied to membrane distillation: A comprehensive review

Membrane distillation (MD) has been increasingly studied in the past decade for its potential as a separation process of nonvolatile components. The present study demonstrates a comprehensive overview of the current progress and challenges in the application of ceramic membranes to MD based on the available state of the art. There are already published review papers about MD, but the present study focuses on ceramic membranes, which are still the few used in MD when compared to polymeric membranes. Significant issues such as membrane material, module, characteristics, and hydrophobic modification are discussed. The main operating conditions and their effects on the separation process are given. Current applications of ceramic membranes in MD are also presented. Likewise, challenges and future perspectives associated with MD performance using ceramic membranes are highlighted. A review focused on ceramic membranes applied specifically to MD will contribute for future research in order that this process achieves successful implementation in industry.