Current advances and opportunities in the development of nanofiltration (NF) membranes in the area of wastewater treatment, water desalination, biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications

Currently, nanofiltration (NF) membranes are playing a vital role in various applications. However, several challenges remain in their applications such as difficulty in controlling membrane pore size and controlling membrane fouling. Polymeric membranes are the best option to achieve a high-performance membrane having longer durability. Several membranes are available for water treatment, but making a suitable membrane process at a low cost with low energy consumption is one of the major challenges. This review article discussed the development of polymer-based nanofiltration membranes processes for wastewater treatment, desalination, biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications. This review paper considers the background of the development of the improved performance of nanofiltration membranes for various applications with or without nanoparticles. While writing this review paper the effort has been given to accrue recent years’ works of literature to demonstrate huge promise for enhancing the transport and fouling activities of NF membranes. The focus is also given to the transport models of nanofiltration membranes. Various methods for the development of NF membranes along with challenges and research opportunities have been discussed. The NF membrane fouling and preventive measures to mitigate fouling have been discussed in this review article. Furthermore, a brief investigation of NF membranes for industrial development along with future perspectives can be made in NF membrane processes are discussed.