Fouling Prevention in Polymeric Membranes by Radiation Induced Graft Copolymerization

• Published in: Polymers Vol. 14; no. 1; p. 197
• Main Authors: Zainol Abidin, Muhammad Nidzhom, Nasef, Mohamed Mahmoud, Matsuura, Takeshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 04-01-2022; MDPI
• Subjects: antifouling properties; biofilm formation; Brackish water; Copolymerization; Desalination; Electricity; Electron beams; Energy; Energy costs; Fouling; Gamma rays; Graft copolymers; Membrane processes; Membrane separation; Membranes; Methods; Nanoparticles; organic fouling; polymeric membranes; Pore size; pressure driven membrane processes; Radiation; Radiation effects; radiation induced graft copolymerization; Radiation sources; Review; Saline water; Salinity; Water treatment; polymeric membranes; biofilm formation; organic fouling; antifouling properties; radiation induced graft copolymerization; pressure driven membrane processes
• ISSN: 2073-4360; 2073-4360
• DOI: 10.3390/polym14010197

The application of membrane processes in various fields has now undergone accelerated developments, despite the presence of some hurdles impacting the process efficiency. Fouling is arguably the main hindrance for a wider implementation of polymeric membranes, particularly in pressure-driven membrane processes, causing higher costs of energy, operation, and maintenance. Radiation induced graft copolymerization (RIGC) is a powerful versatile technique for covalently imparting selected chemical functionalities to membranes' surfaces, providing a potential solution to fouling problems. This article aims to systematically review the progress in modifications of polymeric membranes by RIGC of polar monomers onto membranes using various low- and high-energy radiation sources (UV, plasma, γ-rays, and electron beam) for fouling prevention. The feasibility of the modification method with respect to physico-chemical and antifouling properties of the membrane is discussed. Furthermore, the major challenges to the modified membranes in terms of sustainability are outlined and the future research directions are also highlighted. It is expected that this review would attract the attention of membrane developers, users, researchers, and scientists to appreciate the merits of using RIGC for modifying polymeric membranes to mitigate the fouling issue, increase membrane lifespan, and enhance the membrane system efficiency.