Next-Generation Membranes for Enhanced Membrane Distillation Performance
A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Thin Films and Interfaces".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 January 2026 | Viewed by 682
Special Issue Editors
Interests: 2D materials; surface science; plasmons; membrane distillation; membrane crystallization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: membrane processes for desalination and wastewater treatment; membrane contactors; membrane distillation; membrane crystallization; membrane condenser; membrane transport phenomena
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
In an era marked by increasing environmental concerns and the urgent need for sustainable resource management, the demand for innovative water treatment solutions has never been greater. Water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and pollution, presents significant challenges to communities and ecosystems worldwide. As traditional freshwater sources become increasingly depleted, there is a critical need to develop sustainable technologies that not only ensure the availability of clean water but also minimize environmental impact. Membrane distillation (MD) stands out as a promising approach, offering an energy-efficient method for desalination and wastewater treatment. By harnessing low-grade thermal energy and utilizing advanced membrane materials, MD technology can provide a viable solution for meeting the world's water needs while supporting sustainability goals.
This Special Issue focuses on innovative advancements in membrane distillation through the development of novel membranes specifically designed to enhance MD’s efficiency, selectivity, and durability. New membrane materials and structures play a key role in overcoming traditional limitations of MD processes, such as hydrophobic instability, wetting, fouling, and low permeability, while improving operational stability and extending membrane life. Such innovations are essential for advancing MD’s feasibility in large-scale applications and in regions where sustainable water production is critical.
This collection brings together insights from materials science, chemical engineering, and environmental science, offering readers a comprehensive view of the potential for next-generation MD membranes to transform water treatment. By advancing MD technology, these innovative membranes can play a critical role in expanding access to clean water while minimizing environmental impact, meeting the demands of an increasingly resource-constrained world.
Topics include the development of hydrophobic and superhydrophobic membranes, the incorporation of nanomaterials and hybrid composites, and the design of dual-layer or Janus membranes. Contributions also cover innovations in electrospun nanofiber membranes and bioinspired designs that mimic natural hydrophobic and antifouling properties. Emphasis is placed on membranes that can utilize low-grade or renewable energy sources, aligning with global sustainability goals.
You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Membranes.
Dr. Francesca Alessandro
Dr. Francesca Macedonio
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- innovative membrane materials
- modified membranes
- water and wastewater treatment
- advanced membrane processes
- membrane distillation
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