Desalination and Non-potable Water Remediation Using Nanotechnology Based Membranes - A Review

Abstract

Potable water plays its role in many fields, including agriculture, energy production, and industries, which increases the demand for potable water in society. In order to meet the need for clean drinking water, desalination and purification play a leading role. When desalination is mentioned, the subject of membrane technology often covers its attention, and in this review, we have discussed membrane-based desalination. Advances in nanotechnology and membrane engineering have provided a new platform for enhanced performance in membrane filtration. The hybrid membranes made from a combination of different nanostructures have yielded high precision and durable membranes which are cost- effective. The membranes that incorporate in nanotechnology cannot only remove very small particles from contaminated water, but also remove sulfate, phosphate, magnesium, and calcium- dissolved compounds with multivalent ions. The nanomembranes are more energy efficient also. The different nano-scale materials used in membrane preparation along with their performance have been discussed. The peaks and valleys of the development of nanomaterials for desalination purpose provide a clear view of the upcoming era of membrane desalination.