A review of zeolite materials used in membranes for water purification: history, applications, challenges and future trends

This review provides a fundamental assessment of the potential of zeolite particles incorporated into polymeric membranes in view of improving the performance of these membranes. Zeolites are of interest as having extensive potential in separation processes due to their unique frameworks and properties. Significant investigations have been carried out to improve conventional membrane properties by the inclusion of zeolites. Zeolite membranes can be classified into three categories: (i) self-supported zeolite membranes, (ii) inorganic-supported zeolite membranes and (iii) zeolites mixed into a polymeric membrane matrix or top layer. The focus of this review is on nanosized zeolite particles incorporated into the polymeric structure of membranes, with specific attention to a polyamide layer used in pressure-driven membrane processes such as reverse osmosis. The incorporation of inorganic zeolite particles in the polymer matrix enhances the permeability without decreasing the selectivity, and increases the mechanical strength in a harsh environment and fouling and chlorine resistance of the membranes. Agglomeration of nanosized zeolites and defect formation are highlighted as the main obstacles to the fabrication of large-scale high-performance zeolite membranes in order to identify strategies to solve these issues. Among the different strategies, adding a crosslinking agent to the interfacial polymerization process might be a promising method for fabricating homogeneous zeolite-polymer composite membranes with excellent performance. This paper provides a better understanding of the knowledge acquired in the development of polymer-based zeolite nanocomposite membranes and gives perspectives for future research. (c) 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Automated summary

This review assesses the potential of zeolite particles incorporated into polymeric membranes for improving membrane performance. Zeolites have extensive potential in separation processes due to their unique frameworks and properties. Studies have shown that incorporating zeolite particles can enhance permeability, increase mechanical strength, and improve resistance to fouling and chlorine in membranes.