A comprehensive review on membranes in microbial desalination cells; processes, utilization, and challenges

Increasing populations and urbanization put a lot of pressure on freshwater supplies and use. The increased demand for drinking water can be met by using seawater as a source of freshwater. Desalination and wastewater treatment have been energy- and time-consuming processes in recent years. Microbial desalination cells (MDCs) have gained considerable attention as an emerging technology because of their ability to treat wastewater, desalinate seawater, and produce electricity and value-added products. The efficiency and performance of this technology are affected by numerous factors. In this study, the effect of membranes on the efficiency and performance of this technology is examined. Anionic and cationic, carbon nanotube (CNT), bipolar and osmotic membranes were investigated. Anionic and cationic membranes, as well as their modifications, significantly influence microbial desalination cells. CNT-based membranes have shown significant improvements in water permeability, desalination capacity, strength, anti-fouling, and energy efficiency compared to other membranes. Bipolar membranes prevent the pH of the anode chamber from decreasing, which is essential for MDC operation. The use of FO membranes in microbial desalination cells still faces challenges; for instance, fouling is more likely in FO membranes than ion-exchange membranes, resulting in higher internal resistance and decreased water flux. MDC technology will require research into membrane fouling, electron transfer kinetics, material feasibility, microbial growth, and catalyst durability to be scaled and sustainable. As part of the feasibility study, the performance and stability of the reactor must also be examined.

Automated summary

Increasing populations and urbanization have led to increased pressure on freshwater supplies. The use of seawater as a source of freshwater can meet the increased demand for drinking water. Microbial desalination cells (MDCs) have emerged as a promising technology that can treat wastewater, desalinate seawater, and generate electricity and value-added products. This study examines the effect of membranes on the efficiency and performance of MDCs, with carbon nanotube membranes showing significant improvements compared to other membranes.