Progress and new perspectives on integrated membrane operations for sustainable industrial growth

Membrane science and technology has led to significant innovation in both processes and products over the last few decades, offering interesting opportunities in the design, rationalization, and optimization of innovative productions. The most interesting developments for industrial membrane technologies are related to the possibility of integrating various of these membrane operations in the same industrial cycle, with overall important benefits in product quality, plant compactness, environmental impact, and energetic aspects. Possibilities for membrane engineering might also be of importance in new areas. The case of transportation technologies is of particular interest. The purpose here is to present a summary review of the extent to which membrane processes have been integrated into industrial practice. Some of the most interesting results already achieved in membrane engineering will be presented, and predictions about future developments and the possible impact of new membrane science and technology on sustainable industrial growth will be analyzed.