Nanocomposites-Enabled Membrane Technologies for Water Purification

The increasing demand for clean water, compounded by pollution and scarcity, underscores the need for advanced purification technologies. Membrane-based separation methods are widely adopted for their scalability and pollutant removal efficiency, but traditional membranes face challenges like fouling, low permeability, and limited selectivity. Recent advancements in nanocomposite-enabled membranes, incorporating nanomaterials such as metal oxide nanoparticles, carbon-based materials, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), offer promising solutions. This chapter highlights advancements in nanocomposite membranes, focusing on improvements in water flux, fouling resistance, and pollutant selectivity. Methods for embedding nanomaterials into polymer matrices are detailed, highlighting their impact on membrane characteristics. Quantitative findings show that incorporating metal oxide nanoparticles can enhance water flux by 50–80% and fouling resistance by up to 60%, while MOFs improve selectivity for heavy metals by 70–90%. The environmental and health implications of using nanocomposites are critically evaluated, addressing concerns about nanomaterial leaching and toxicity. Challenges such as large-scale production, cost-efficiency, and long-term stability are also discussed, with a focus on scalable fabrication techniques like phase inversion and electrospinning. In conclusion, nanocomposite-enabled membranes represent a transformative approach to water purification. While promising, further research is needed to optimize their sustainability, economic feasibility, and long-term performance, paving the way for more effective water treatment technologies.