Water purification by membranes: The role of polymer science

Two of the greatest challenges facing the 21st century involve providing sustainable supplies of clean water and energy, two highly interrelated resources, at affordable costs. Membrane technology is expected to continue to dominate the water purification technologies owing to its energy efficiency....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of polymer science. Part B, Polymer physics Polymer physics, 2010-08, Vol.48 (15), p.1685-1718
Main Authors: Geise, Geoffrey M, Lee, Hae-Seung, Miller, Daniel J, Freeman, Benny D, McGrath, James E, Paul, Donald R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
charge transport
Chemical engineering
Chlorine
Cleaning
desalination
Drinking water and swimming-pool water. Desalination
Exact sciences and technology
Exchange resins and membranes
Flux
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
ionomers
Membrane separation (reverse osmosis, dialysis...)
Membranes
Pollution
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Readers
Reproduction
separation techniques
State of the art
Technology of polymers
Water purification
Water treatment and pollution
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Summary:Two of the greatest challenges facing the 21st century involve providing sustainable supplies of clean water and energy, two highly interrelated resources, at affordable costs. Membrane technology is expected to continue to dominate the water purification technologies owing to its energy efficiency. However, there is a need for improved membranes that have higher flux, are more selective, are less prone to various types of fouling, and are more resistant to the chemical environment, especially chlorine, of these processes. This article summarizes the nature of the global water problem and reviews the state of the art of membrane technology. Existing deficiencies of current membranes and the opportunities to resolve them with innovative polymer chemistry and physics are identified. Extensive background is provided to help the reader understand the fundamental issues involved.
ISSN:0887-6266
1099-0488
1099-0488
DOI:10.1002/polb.22037