Recent Progress in Fabrication of Eco-membranes for Membrane Distillation: A Mini-Review

Abstract

Membrane distillation (MD) is an emerging water purification and desalination technology that offers several advantages over conventional thermal and membrane-based processes.As environmental concerns grow, there is a significant interest in developing eco-friendly membranes for MD applications.This mini-review investigates recent progress in the fabrication of eco-membranes for membrane distillation.Key advancements include using natural polymers like chitosan and cellulose, biodegradable synthetic polymers, and inorganic materials to create more sustainable membrane options.Fabrication techniques such as electrospinning and phase inversion have produced highperformance eco-membranes with enhanced permeability, selectivity, and stability.While challenges remain in scaling up production and optimizing long-term performance, the potential of eco-membranes to significantly reduce MD processes' environmental impact is a promising development that cannot be overlooked.This review provides an overview of eco-membrane materials, fabrication methods, performance characteristics, and future research directions to guide further development in this rapidly evolving field.