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Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Advanced Separation Membrane Materials

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A special issue of Membranes (ISSN 2077-0375). This special issue belongs to the section "Membrane Fabrication and Characterization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 January 2026) | Viewed by 23133

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Hao Yang

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Guest Editor

Institute for the Environment and Health, Nanjing University Suzhou Campus, Suzhou 215163, China
Interests: advanced porous materials; liquid separation membranes; membrane process intensification; smart membrane technology and sustainable membrane processes

Dr. Meidi Wang

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Guest Editor

College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
Interests: advanced membrane materials; nanofiltration; ionic separations; pervaporation; mass transfer mechanisms

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the past decade, the scientific community has shown great enthusiasm for the research of advanced separation membrane materials. Very recently, crystalline materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with large surface area, diverse functionality, and excellent chemical stability have been regarded as an emerging member in the family of advanced separation membrane materials. The availability of these advanced separation membrane materials has also experienced impressive growth over the past decade that finds a prolific manifestation in numerous energy and environmental applications. Despite the exciting achievements in the field of advanced separation membrane materials, challenges still exist. The studies on emerging advanced separation membrane materials are still in the infant stage. Large-scale production of advanced separation membrane materials with high quality and controlled structure has yet to be realized for ultimate industrialization. Furthermore, the precise manipulation of thicknesses, functionalities, topologies, and crystal phases of advanced separation membrane materials as well as advanced characterization are still of challenge. The commercialization of advanced separation membrane materials in daily life will be a major milestone and we still need to contribute nonstop efforts to achieve this goal. Targeting these goals, here, we are pleased to invite you to submit your research for publication in a Special Issue on “Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Advanced Separation Membrane Materials”.

This special issue aims to provide the recent advances in the field of advanced separation membrane materials. We strongly believe that this issue will benefit researchers in diverse fields. We hope this issue could provide the readers with some representative and exciting views regarding the new developments and applications of advanced separation membrane materials.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

Development of new materials for membrane separation
Novel fabrication processes and scale-up technologies for advanced separation membranes
Advanced characterization technologies for membranes
Precisely manipulation of physical/chemical structures of membranes
Analysis of mass transfer mechanisms in membranes
Stimuli-responsive smart membrane materials and applications
Artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted membrane processes

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Hao Yang
Dr. Meidi Wang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Membranes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 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

advanced membrane materials
membrane preparation
membrane characterization
membrane scale-up
smart membranes
sustainable membrane processes

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3676 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tailoring Copper Pillars to Prevent Physical Aging in Matrimid^® 5218 Carbon Molecular Sieve Membranes

by Whitney K. Cosey, Edson V. Perez, Kenneth J. Balkus, Jr., John P. Ferraris and Inga H. Musselman

Membranes 2026, 16(4), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16040133 - 1 Apr 2026

Viewed by 573

Abstract

Carbon molecular sieve membranes (CMSMs) provide a means to greatly improve gas separations. CMSMs have a pore size distribution comprising micropores and ultramicropores which provide high flux and high selectivity, enabling them to outperform polymeric membranes. CMSMs, however, suffer from physical aging that results from the collapse of the pores that severely reduces their gas permeability. Therefore, reducing physical aging of CMSMs is an important step in the development of these types of materials. In this work, a method for reducing physical aging through the incorporation of metal nanoparticles that serve as a structural scaffold for the membrane pore structure is presented. The pore structure in CMSMs is dependent upon the polymeric precursor, and thus the support system incorporated must be tailored. The copper nanoparticles were formed in situ from soluble, copper-based metal–organic polyhedra 18 (MOP-18) dispersed into Matrimid^® 5218, a low free volume polymer. The size (2 to 20 nm) and shape (sphere, rods) of the copper particles were refined by adjusting MOP-18 loading, pyrolysis temperature, and soaking time. The Cu-pillared Matrimid^® 5218 CMSMs from this work showed no decline in permeability or selectivity for methane (107 Barrer) and carbon dioxide (1785 Barrer) over a period of 21 d. The results suggest that tailored metal pillars can suppress physical aging in CMSMs, thereby enhancing their long-term stability and applicability in gas separations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Advanced Separation Membrane Materials)

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17 pages, 2733 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Crown Ether-Based Covalent Organic Polymer Composite Membrane and Its Application in Molecular Separation

by Yike Chen, Wenju Shi, Meitong Liu, Zhihong Huang, Jianshe Hu and Zhangpei Chen

Membranes 2026, 16(2), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16020056 - 2 Feb 2026

Viewed by 724

Abstract

Organic dyes are critical components in industries ranging from textiles, plastics, and paper to food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. However, their widespread use leads to significant environmental pollution. Consequently, developing efficient methods to treat dye wastewater is urgently needed. In this work, a high-performance composite membrane was developed with a poly(dibenzo-18-crown-6) covalent organic polymer (COP) interlayer. The chemical structure of the COP was verified by FT-IR, and BET analysis indicated that the as-synthesized material possesses a predominantly mesoporous structure with a minor microporous contribution. Subsequently, the membrane was fabricated by depositing a COP colloid on a nylon-66 support via vacuum filtration, followed by the formation of a dense polyamide (PA) active layer through interfacial polymerization (IP) between amine and acyl chloride monomers. Systematic evaluation of dye separation performance using a cross-flow filtration setup identified optimal operating conditions. Under these conditions, the membrane demonstrated effective molecular sieving behavior, achieving both high dye rejection and favorable solvent permeability. In long-term stability tests, the membrane maintained a rejection rate of over 99% for Congo red over 48 h, while sustaining a water flux of 103.2 L m⁻² h⁻¹ bar⁻¹ (LMH/bar). Furthermore, the membrane exhibited promising potential for dye desalination applications, achieving a high Congo red/potassium chloride separation selectivity of 186.8 with a flux of 138.2 LMH/bar. This study confirms that the poly(dibenzo-18-crown-6)-based composite membrane is a reliable and efficient material for molecular separation in wastewater treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Advanced Separation Membrane Materials)

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17 pages, 2683 KB

Open AccessArticle

Polysulfone/Graphene Oxide Mixed Matrix Membranes for Improved CO₂/CH₄ Separation

by Mustafa Alsaady, Sharjeel Waqas, Mohammed A. Almarshoud, Khuram Maqsood, Aymn Abdulrahman and Yuying Yan

Membranes 2025, 15(12), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15120386 - 18 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1106

Abstract

This research focuses on developing and optimizing mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) by incorporating graphene oxide (GO) into a polysulfone (PSF) matrix to enhance the separation performance of CO₂ and CH₄. The morphology and gas separation performance of the MMMs were systematically characterized. The incorporation of GO enhanced gas permeation and CO₂/CH₄ selectivity, as evaluated using a gas permeation setup. Notably, the PSF/GO-0.3 wt.% membrane exhibited superior performance, achieving a CO₂ permeability of 21.63 Barrer, among the highest reported for PSF-based MMMs. Additionally, the membrane demonstrated a CO₂/CH₄ selectivity of 14.32, highlighting its effectiveness in distinguishing between the two gases, which is essential for carbon capture and natural gas decontamination applications. The uniform distribution of GO within the polymer matrix contributed to the membrane’s enhanced performance. Furthermore, the MMMs exhibited outstanding resistance to CO₂ plasticization, with the PSF/GO-0.3 wt.% membrane maintaining its performance at pressures up to 10 bar, a significant improvement over the pristine PSF membrane, which failed at 4 bar. The improved plasticization resistance is ascribed to the reinforcing effect of GO, which stabilizes the polymer matrix, minimizing CO₂-induced swelling. The PSF/GO-0.3 wt.% membrane exhibited exceptional CO₂ permeability, selectivity, and plasticization resistance, making it a viable alternative for industrial gas separation applications and outperforming previously reported PSF-based MMMs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Advanced Separation Membrane Materials)

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16 pages, 3654 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Composite Ceramic Membranes for Carbon Dioxide Detection

by Midilane Sena Medina, Eliana Navarro dos Santos Muccillo and Reginaldo Muccillo

Membranes 2025, 15(10), 315; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15100315 - 15 Oct 2025

Viewed by 1113

Abstract

Porous La₂MoWO₉ (W-LAMOX) impregnated with a eutectic mixture of lithium, sodium, and potassium carbonate (LNKC) ceramic membranes was synthesized and evaluated for carbon dioxide (CO₂) sensing applications. Structural, microstructural, and electrical characterizations were carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and impedance spectroscopy. The results indicate that sintered thinner membranes, prepared by the tape casting method, exhibit faster and more reproducible responses to CO₂ exposure than sintered thick pressed pellets. These findings highlight the potential of these composite membranes for application in CO₂ sensing technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Advanced Separation Membrane Materials)

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28 pages, 7157 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Characterization of Sawdust-Based Ceramic Membranes for Textile Effluent Treatment

by Ana Vitória Santos Marques, Antusia dos Santos Barbosa, Larissa Fernandes Maia, Meiry Gláucia Freire Rodrigues, Tellys Lins Almeida Barbosa and Carlos Bruno Barreto Luna

Membranes 2025, 15(10), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15100298 - 1 Oct 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1344

Abstract

Membranes were assessed on a bench scale for their performance in methylene blue dye separation. The sawdust, along with Brazilian clay and kaolin, were mixed and compacted by uniaxial pressing and sintered at 650 °C. The membranes were characterized by several techniques, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, porosity, mechanical strength, water uptake, and membrane hydrodynamic permeability. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of sawdust not only altered the pore morphology but also significantly improved water permeation and dye removal efficiency. The ceramic membrane had an average pore diameter of 0.346–0.622 µm and porosities ranging from 40.85 to 42.96%. The membranes were applied to the microfiltration of synthetic effluent containing methylene blue (MB) and, additionally, subjected to investigation of their adsorptive capacity. All membrane variants showed high hydrophilicity (contact angles < 60°) and achieved MB rejection efficiencies higher than 96%, demonstrating their efficiency in treating dye-contaminated effluents. Batch adsorption using ceramic membranes (M0–M3) removed 34.0–41.2% of methylene blue. Adsorption behavior fitted both Langmuir and Freundlich models, indicating mixed mono- and multilayer mechanisms. FTIR confirmed electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and possible π–π interactions in dye retention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Advanced Separation Membrane Materials)

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19 pages, 2654 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication and Evaluation of Ceramic-Based Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules for Hemodialysis Applications

by Jae Yeon Hwang, Sung Woo Han, Seung Hee Huh, So Hee Park, Sang Min Park and Jung Hoon Park

Membranes 2025, 15(9), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15090251 - 26 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1660

Abstract

The application of ceramic membranes in hemodialysis modules remains underexplored, as prior investigations have primarily concentrated on flat-sheet samples or small-scale assessments. This study advances the field by fabricating Al₂O₃ hollow fiber membranes, integrating them into a lab-scale module, and systematically evaluating the influence of sintering temperature on their structural characteristics, hemocompatibility, and dialysis performance. Al₂O₃ hollow fiber membranes were prepared using a phase inversion method and then sintered at three different temperatures. All membranes exhibited superior protein adsorption behavior compared to conventional polymer-based membranes, which indicates higher biocompatibility. Furthermore, the amount of adsorbed protein decreased with increasing sintering temperature. This suggests that the amount of protein adsorption can be controlled by adjusting the heat treatment conditions. The lab-scale hemodialyzer integrated with a membrane sintered at 1200 °C achieved the fastest urea removal rate of approximately 90% in 2 h and reached a Kt/V value of 1.1 after 60 min, which is comparable to the performance of commercial polymer-based hemodialyzers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Advanced Separation Membrane Materials)

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22 pages, 5832 KB

Open AccessArticle

Carbonized Dual-Layer Balsa Wood Membrane for Efficient Oil–Water Separation in Kitchen Applications

by Mamadou Souare, Changqing Dong, Xiaoying Hu, Junjiao Zhang, Juejie Xue and Quanjun Zheng

Membranes 2025, 15(6), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15060160 - 24 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2466

Abstract

Wood-based membranes have garnered increasing attention due to their structural advantages and durability in the efficient treatment of oily kitchen wastewater. However, conventional fabrication methods often rely on toxic chemicals or synthetic processes, generating secondary pollutants and suffering from fouling, which reduces performance and increases resource loss. In this study, an innovative bilayer membrane was developed from balsa wood by combining a hydrophilic longitudinal layer for water transport with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-impregnated carbonized transverse layer to enhance hydrophobicity, resulting in increased separation efficiency and a reduction in fouling by 98.38%. The results show a high permeation flux of 1176.86 Lm^–2 h^–1 and a separation efficiency of 98.60%, maintaining low fouling resistance (<3%) over 20 cycles. Mechanical tests revealed a tensile strength of 10.92 MPa and a fracture elongation of 10.42%, ensuring robust mechanical properties. Wettability measurements indicate a 144° contact angle and a 7° sliding angle with water on the carbonized side, and a 163.7° contact angle with oil underwater and a 5° sliding angle on the hydrophilic side, demonstrating excellent selective wettability. This study demonstrates the potential of carbonized wood-based membranes as a sustainable, effective alternative for large-scale wastewater treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Advanced Separation Membrane Materials)

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12 pages, 21558 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ceramic Nanofiltration Membranes: Creating Nanopores by Calcination of Atmospheric-Pressure Molecular Layer Deposition Grown Titanicone Layers

by Harpreet Sondhi, Mingliang Chen, Michiel Pieter Nijboer, Arian Nijmeijer, Fred Roozeboom, Mikhael Bechelany, Alexey Kovalgin and Mieke Luiten-Olieman

Membranes 2025, 15(3), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15030086 - 8 Mar 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3132

Abstract

Ceramic membrane technology, whether applied as a stand-alone separation technology or in combination with energy-intensive approaches like distillation, is a promising solution for lower energy alternatives with minimal carbon footprints. To improve the separation of solutes in the nanofiltration range from industrial wastewater streams, ceramic nanofiltration (NF) membranes with reproducible sub-nanometre pore sizes are required. To achieve this, the emerging technique of molecular layer deposition (MLD) is employed to develop ceramic NF membranes, and its efficiency and versatility make it a powerful tool for preparing uniform nanoscale high-porosity membranes. Our work, which involved vapor-phase titanium tetrachloride as a precursor and ethylene glycol as a co-reactant, followed by calcination in air at 350 °C, resulted in NF membranes with pore sizes (radii) around ~0.8 ± 0.1 nm and a demineralized water permeability of 13 ± 1 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹·bar⁻¹.The high-water flux with >90% rejection of polyethylene glycol molecules with a molecular size larger than 380 ± 6 Dalton indicates the efficiency of the MLD technique in membrane functionalization and size-selective separation processes, and its potential for industrial applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Advanced Separation Membrane Materials)

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16 pages, 3689 KB

Open AccessArticle

Gas and Steam Permeation Properties of Cation-Exchanged ZSM-5 Membrane

by Yuichiro Hirota, Masaki Nakai, Kasumi Tani, Koya Sakane, Ayumi Ikeda, Yasuhisa Hasegawa and Sadao Araki

Membranes 2025, 15(3), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15030070 - 1 Mar 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2031

Abstract

NaZSM-5 powder and membranes were hydrothermally prepared. Their (1) steam (H₂O) adsorption properties and (2) the permeation and separation of gas and H₂O were evaluated before and after the cation exchange of Na⁺ to K⁺ or Cs⁺. The quantity of adsorbed H₂O decreased as the size of the cation increased, indicating that the micropore volume and effective pore size of ZSM-5 decreased after cation exchange. The H₂ and N₂ permeances after cation exchange were less than 5% of the values before cation exchange, indicating a significant reduction in gas permeability. In contrast, the reduction of the H₂O permeance values of the ZSM-5 membranes before and after K⁺ or Cs⁺ exchange was lower than that of H₂, resulting in improved H₂O/H₂ separation performance. Compared with the NaZSM-5 membrane, the K⁺- or Cs⁺-exchanged ZSM-5 membranes exhibited superior H₂O permselectivity, particularly at dilute H₂O concentrations (<1 vol%). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Advanced Separation Membrane Materials)

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Review

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19 pages, 4005 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Efficient Separation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) by Organic Framework Membranes: Advances, Mechanisms, and Challenges

by Jiawei Zhang, Baosheng Zhao and Hao Yang

Membranes 2026, 16(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16010019 - 1 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1655

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a class of highly persistent environmental contaminants with exceptional chemical stability. Efficient removal of PFAS from water poses a significant challenge for the chemical industry and constitutes a critical requirement for sustainable environmental development. Membrane technology has demonstrated considerable potential in water treatment due to its low energy consumption and environmentally friendly characteristics. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in emerging metal–organic framework (MOF)-, covalent organic framework (COF)-, and hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF)-based membranes for highly efficient separation and catalytic degradation of PFAS. We provide a detailed analysis of design strategies for various organic framework membranes (OFMs) and their synergistic separation mechanisms, including size exclusion, electrostatic interactions, adsorption, as well as catalytic degradation based on advanced oxidation processes. Furthermore, we systematically evaluate the performance and applicability of these membranes in practical aquatic environments. Finally, this review outlines future directions toward developing integrated “separation-degradation” membrane processes for practical applications by discussing current challenges concerning material stability, manufacturing costs, and long-term operational efficiency. This review aims to provide theoretical guidance and technical insights for developing next-generation high-performance membranes for PFAS removal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Advanced Separation Membrane Materials)

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24 pages, 6011 KB

Open AccessReview

Recent Progress on the Development of Polyetheretherketone Membranes for Water Remediation

by Jingwen Zhou, Longjun Wang, Hong Liu, Xinhao Li, Dalong Li, Linlin Yan and Xiquan Cheng

Membranes 2025, 15(9), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15090256 - 28 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1937

Abstract

Industries containing excess acid or alkaline wastewater exacerbate water security. As a semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic with superior chemical resistance, exceptional mechanical strength, and outstanding thermal stability, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a promising candidate for advanced functional membranes in water remediation. Herein, we present a comprehensive overview of recent advances in PEEK materials, encompassing PEEK membrane fabrication, strategies for membrane hydrophilic modification, and applications in wastewater treatment. Specifically, research efforts have focused on membrane preparation methods such as nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS), thermally induced phase separation (TIPS), and chemical-induced crystallization (CIC), which aim to address the critical challenge of forming solvent-resistant PEEK membranes while maintaining membrane performance. Additionally, various hydrophilic modification strategies (pretreatment, co-blending, and post-treatment) for PEEK membranes are discussed to alleviate membrane fouling problems, with in-depth discussions of diverse applications in wastewater treatment (such as the removal and purification of synthetic dyes, organic solvents, natural organic matter removal, and oil–water mixture). The review concludes with an emphasis on the current challenges and potential of PEEK membrane for wastewater treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Advanced Separation Membrane Materials)

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18 pages, 2170 KB

Open AccessReview

Machine Learning in the Design and Performance Prediction of Organic Framework Membranes: Methodologies, Applications, and Industrial Prospects

by Tong Wu, Jiawei Zhang, Qinghao Yan, Jingxiang Wang and Hao Yang

Membranes 2025, 15(6), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15060178 - 11 Jun 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4263

Abstract

Organic framework membranes (OFMs) have emerged as transformative materials for separation technologies due to their tunable porosity, structural diversity, and stability, yet their design and optimization face challenges in navigating vast chemical spaces and complex performance trade-offs. This review highlights the pivotal role of machine learning (ML) in overcoming these limitations by integrating multi-source data, constructing quantitative structure–property relationships, and enabling the cross-scale optimization of OFMs. Methodologically, ML workflows—spanning data construction, feature engineering, and model optimization—accelerate candidate screening, inverse design, and mechanistic interpretation, as demonstrated in gas separations and nascent liquid-phase applications. Key findings reveal that ML identifies critical structural descriptors and environmental parameters, guiding the development of high-performance membranes that surpass traditional selectivity–permeability limits. Challenges persist in liquid separations due to dynamic operational complexities and data scarcity, while emerging frameworks offer untapped potential. The integration of interpretable ML, in situ characterization, and industrial scalability strategies is essential to transition OFMs from laboratory innovations to sustainable, adaptive separation systems. This review underscores ML’s transformative capacity to bridge computational insights with experimental validation, fostering next-generation membranes for carbon neutrality, water security, and energy-efficient industrial processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Advanced Separation Membrane Materials)

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