Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Polymers Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Innovative Polymers and Technology for Membrane Fabrication

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Membranes and Films".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 8865

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Simona Căprărescu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
Interests: hybrid films; polymers; nanoparticles; hydrophobic coatings; electrochemical deposition; sol-gel process
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Natural (cellulose, chitosan, alginate and many more) and synthetic polymers (polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylchloride, polyurethanes and many more) are a very important class of materials that are widely applied for different polymeric membranes. The wide range of properties accessible in polymeric materials and polymer solutions, they play an essential role in the preparation of different membranes that have become one of the most important materials in the membrane processes.
The aim of this Special Issue is focus on fabrication, characterization and applications of the various polymers. The fabrication of polymers (innovative, novel, economic and environmental sustainability) and polymer-based membranes as advanced, multifunctional materials in the membrane processes is also a fundamental concept in this Special Issue.

As Guest Editor, it is my pleasure to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue with your recent results in this field of research. Full-length papers, research articles, communications and reviews on the topics of interest are welcome for this Special Issue. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

Innovative polymers and their impact on polymer-based membranes performance properties;
Physical and chemical modifications of polymers and their effects regarding the performance of the polymeric membranes;
Characterization of polymers and polymer-based membranes using various research techniques;
Polymers for membrane processes (e.g., electrodialysis, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, microfiltration, reverse osmosis).

Dr. Simona Căprărescu
Guest Editor

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. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2700 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 polymers
performance properties
polymeric membranes
characterization
membrane processes
bio-gradable materials
regeneration and sustainability
environmental protection

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

24 pages, 3582 KB

Open AccessArticle

Structure-Controlled Polyetherimide Hollow Fibers for Biogas Purification

by Pavel Țiuleanu, Artem A. Atlaskin, Kirill A. Smorodin, Sergey S. Kryuchkov, Maria E. Atlaskina, Anton N. Petukhov, Andrey V. Vorotyntsev, Nikita S. Tsivkovsky, Alexander A. Sysoev and Ilya V. Vorotyntsev

Polymers 2026, 18(8), 951; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18080951 - 13 Apr 2026

Viewed by 494

Abstract

Polyetherimide (Ultem-1000) hollow-fiber membranes were developed for biogas purification with emphasis on the relationship between spinning conditions, membrane morphology, gas transport properties, and module performance. Hollow fibers were prepared from dope solutions based on dimethylformamide (DMF) and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) at different conditions, followed by post-treatment with 1 and 3 wt.% silicone solution in n-heptane to reduce nonselective defects and improve selectivity toward the intrinsic behavior of dense PEI films. SEM analysis revealed that DMF-based fibers formed a more open, macrovoid-rich structure, whereas NMP-based fibers exhibited a more homogeneous sponge-like morphology with a better-defined selective layer. DMF-based fibers experienced faster demixing, which promoted macrovoid formation, increased pore connectivity of the substructure, lowered mass transfer resistance, and at the same time increased the probability of nonselective pathways and defect-related loss of selectivity. This structural evolution was reflected in gas transport properties: untreated DMF fibers showed high mixed-gas permeance but limited selectivity, while NMP fibers demonstrated lower permeance and selectivity values closer to those of the dense film. Silicone post-treatment significantly improved separation performance, with 3 wt.% coating being markedly more effective than 1 wt.% coating. The best compromise between permeance and selectivity was achieved for the DMF-based fibers treated with 3 wt.% silicone, which exhibited CO₂ and H₂S permeances of 39.4 and 47.12 GPU, respectively, together with selectivity values of 22.4, 26.8 and 20.2 for CO₂/CH₄, H₂S/CH₄ and CO₂/N₂. A membrane module containing 500 fibers was studied during the quasi-real biogas upgrading. With increasing stage-cut, the CH₄ concentration in the retentate increased from ~74 to 96 mol.%, while CO₂ decreased from ~21 to 2 mol.%. The results demonstrate that structure control combined with silicone post-treatment is an effective strategy for producing PEI hollow fibers suitable for simultaneous methane enrichment and removal of acid impurities from biogas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Polymers and Technology for Membrane Fabrication)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 4055 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cadmium Removal from Synthetic Waste-Water Using TiO₂-Modified Polymeric Membrane Through Electrochemical Separation System

by Simona Căprărescu, Roxana Gabriela Zgârian, Grațiela Teodora Tihan, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Eugenia Eftimie Totu, Daniel Costinel Petre and Cristina Modrogan

Polymers 2026, 18(2), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18020150 - 6 Jan 2026

Viewed by 597

Abstract

In this paper, a new polymeric membrane including polymers (cellulose acetate, polyethylene glycol 400), copolymer poly(4-vinylpyridine)-block-polystyrene, and TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized by the phase inversion method. In order to investigate the presence and the influence of the TiO₂ nanoparticles on the membrane matrix, a polymeric membrane without TiO₂ nanoparticles was prepared by the same preparation method. The structure of the polymeric membranes was characterized by several techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and impedance spectroscopy. Also, the water contact angle, water retention, and porosity were determined. The results showed that the TiO₂ nanoparticles were incorporated into the pores and onto the surface of the polymeric membrane, which resulted in a more uniform structure. In addition, these polymeric membranes were tested for the removal of cadmium ions from synthetic waste-water using a laboratory-scale electrochemical separation system with a custom-built setup. The results showed that the polymeric membrane with TiO₂ nanoparticles showed a high cadmium ions removal rate (95.53%), compared to the polymeric membrane without TiO₂ nanoparticles (85.29%), after a 1.5 h electrochemical separation test. The final results indicated that the polymeric membranes prepared with TiO₂ nanoparticles had excellent thermal stability and exhibited the best ionic conductivity. The electrochemical separation system proved that the obtained polymeric membranes effectively remove cadmium from the synthetic waste-water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Polymers and Technology for Membrane Fabrication)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1966 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effective Fabrication of Graphene-Coated Ionic Polymer Membrane Actuators

by Kiwon Park

Polymers 2025, 17(23), 3170; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17233170 - 28 Nov 2025

Viewed by 555

Abstract

Ionic polymer–metal composites (IPMCs) are promising soft actuators; however, they face challenges such as solvent evaporation, low blocking force, and complex fabrication processes. This study introduces a simplified method for fabricating ionic polymer–graphene composite (IPGC) actuators using Nafion 117 membranes and graphene powder. Graphene was directly rubbed onto the membrane surface and subjected to brief microwave irradiation to form durable electrodes, eliminating the need for solvents, multilayer casting, or expensive metal plating. The experimental results indicated that repeated fabrication cycles reduced surface resistance and enhanced bending performance, with optimal displacement achieved after three cycles. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed improved adhesion and surface uniformity following microwave treatment. A hybrid electromechanical model, combining an RC circuit with a mass–spring–damper system, was developed to accurately predict the static behavior of the actuator and achieve reliable parameter estimation. Although the bending performance of the ionic polymer actuator fabricated using the proposed method reaches approximately 75% of that of conventionally produced IPMCs, the method offers a significantly simpler and lower-cost fabrication process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Polymers and Technology for Membrane Fabrication)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 4657 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Production of High-Permeable and Macrovoid-Free Polysulfone Hollow Fiber Membranes and Their Utilization in CO₂ Capture Applications via the Membrane-Assisted Gas Absorption Technique

by Pavel Țiuleanu, Artem A. Atlaskin, Kirill A. Smorodin, Sergey S. Kryuchkov, Maria E. Atlaskina, Anton N. Petukhov, Andrey V. Vorotyntsev, Nikita S. Tsivkovskiy, Alexander A. Sysoev and Ilya V. Vorotyntsev

Polymers 2025, 17(10), 1407; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17101407 - 20 May 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1704

Abstract

This present study covers a complex approach to study a hybrid separation technique: membrane-assisted gas absorption for CO₂ capture from flue gases. It includes not only the engineering aspects of the process, particularly the cell design, flow organization, and process conditions, but also a complex study of the materials. It covers the spinning of hollow fibers with specific properties that provide sufficient mass transfer for their implementation in the hybrid membrane-assisted gas absorption technique and the design of an absorbent with a new ionic liquid—bis(2-hydroxyethyl) dimethylammonium glycinate, which allows the selective capture of carbon dioxide. In addition, the obtained hollow fibers are characterized not only by single gas permeation but with regard to mixed gases, including the transfer of water vapors. A quasi-real flue gas, which consists of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapors, is used to evaluate the separation efficiency of the proposed membrane-assisted gas absorption technique and to determine its ultimate performance in terms of the CO₂ content in the product flow and recovery rate. As a result of this study, it is found that highly permeable fibers in combination with the obtained absorbent provide sufficient separation and their implementation is preferable compared to a selective but much less permeable membrane. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Polymers and Technology for Membrane Fabrication)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2796 KB

Open AccessArticle

Incorporation of Ag-ZnO Nanoparticles into PVDF Membrane Formulation to Enhance Dye Retention, Permeability, and Antibacterial Properties

by Baha Chamam, Roua Ben Dassi, Jraba Abderraouf, Jean Pierre Mericq, Catherine Faur, Ismail Trabelsi, Lassaad El Mir and Marc Heran

Polymers 2025, 17(9), 1269; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17091269 - 6 May 2025

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2008

Abstract

Ultrafiltration is essential for wastewater treatment, but it faces challenges such as selectivity, control, and fouling reduction. Incorporating nanoparticles into membranes enhances retention, boosts permeability, and limits fouling, improving overall performance. This study explores the properties of PVDF/Ag-ZnO composite membranes, highlighting the influence of silver-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles on membrane structure, performance, and antimicrobial effect. The non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method successfully led to the preparation of composite membranes; this method used different doses of silver-doped zinc oxide (Ag-ZnO) nanoparticles with Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and water contact angle measurements were used to validate the influence of nanoparticles on the composite membrane (PVDF/Ag-ZnO) structure. Conversely, morphology (porosity, surface rigorosity), hydrophilicity, and permeability were analyzed through contact angle, image analysis, and flux measurement. In addition, the membranes were tested for antimicrobial activity against E. coli. Membrane performance shows that the incorporation of 20% w/w Ag-ZnO resulted in improved water permeability, which was about 2.73 times higher than that of a pure PVDF membrane (192.2 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹·bar⁻¹). The membrane porosity showed a linear increase with the number of NPs. The resultant asymmetric membrane was altered to increase the number of pores on the top surface by 61% and the cross-sectional pore surface by 663%. Furthermore, a high antibacterial activity of Ag-ZnO 20% was shown. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Polymers and Technology for Membrane Fabrication)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

30 pages, 7964 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication and Performance of PVAc-Incorporated Porous Self-Standing Zeolite-Based Geopolymer Membranes for Lead (Pb(II)) Removal in Water Treatment

by Samar Amari, Mariam Darestani, Graeme Millar and Bob Boshrouyeh

Polymers 2025, 17(9), 1155; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17091155 - 24 Apr 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1897

Abstract

This study explores the fabrication, structural characteristics, and performance of an innovative porous geopolymer membrane made from waste natural zeolite powder for Pb(II) removal, with potential applications in wastewater treatment. A hybrid geopolymer membrane incorporating polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) (10, 20, and 30 wt.%) was synthesized and thermally treated at 300 °C to achieve a controlled porous architecture. Characterization techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), revealed the disappearance of characteristic C=O and C-H stretching bands (~1730 cm⁻¹ and ~2900 cm⁻¹, respectively), confirming the full degradation of PVAc. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated a total mass loss of approximately 14.5% for the sample with PVAc 20 wt.%, corresponding to PVAc decomposition and water loss. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) elemental mapping showed the absence of carbon residues post-annealing, further validating complete PVAc removal. X-ray diffraction (XRD) provided insight into the crystalline phases of the raw zeolite and geopolymer structure. Once PVAc removal was confirmed, the second phase of characterization assessed the membrane’s mechanical properties and filtration performance. The thermally treated membrane, with a thickness of 2.27 mm, exhibited enhanced mechanical properties, measured with a nano-indenter, showing a hardness of 1.8 GPa and an elastic modulus of 46.7 GPa, indicating improved structural integrity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a well-defined porous network. Filtration performance was evaluated using a laboratory-scale dead-end setup for Pb(II) removal. The optimal PVAc concentration was determined to be 20 wt.%, resulting in a permeation rate of 78.5 L/(m²·h) and an 87% rejection rate at an initial Pb(II) concentration of 50 ppm. With increasing Pb(II) concentrations, the flux rates declined across all membranes, while maximum rejection was achieved at 200 ppm. FTIR and EDS analyses confirmed Pb(II) adsorption onto the zeolite-based geopolymer matrix, with elemental mapping showing a uniform Pb(II) distribution across the membrane surface. The next step is to evaluate the membrane’s performance in a multi-cation water treatment environment, assessing the sorption kinetics and its selectivity and efficiency in removing various heavy metal contaminants from complex wastewater systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Polymers and Technology for Membrane Fabrication)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

39 pages, 7021 KB

Open AccessReview

Innovative Physical and Chemical Strategies for the Modification and Development of Polymeric Microfiltration Membranes—A Review

by Mohammad Ebrahimi

Polymers 2026, 18(3), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18030311 - 23 Jan 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 941

Abstract

Polymeric microfiltration membranes are among the most utilized pressure-driven membranes due to their excellent permeation flux, moderate removal efficiency, low operating pressure, low cost, as well as their potential for reusability and cleanability. Therefore, these membranes are used in different crucial sectors, including the water and wastewater, dairy, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. However, well-known polymeric microfiltration membranes suffer from their poor hydrophilic properties, causing fouling phenomenon. A reduction in permeate flux, a shortened operational lifespan, and increased energy consumption are the primary negative consequences of membrane fouling. Over the years, a broad spectrum of studies has been performed to modify polymeric microfiltration membranes to improve their hydrophilic, transport, and antifouling characteristics. Despite extensive research, this issue remains a subject of ongoing discussion and scrutiny within the scientific community. This review article provides promising information about different physical and chemical modification methods—such as polymer blending, the incorporation of nanomaterials, surface coating, chemical crosslinking, in situ nanoparticle immobilization, and chemical surface functionalization—for polymeric microfiltration membranes. The physical and chemical modification methods are comparatively evaluated, highlighting their positive and negative aspects, supported by findings from recent investigations. Moreover, promising ideas and future-oriented techniques were proposed to obtain polymeric microfiltration membranes containing superior efficiency, extended service life, and mechanical strength. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Polymers and Technology for Membrane Fabrication)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Innovative Polymers and Technology for Membrane Fabrication

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI