Impact of Membrane Modification and Surface Immobilization Techniques on the Hemocompatibility of Hemodialysis Membranes: A Critical Review

Development of inorganic and mixed matrix membranes for application in toxic dyes-contaminated industrial effluents with in-situ treatments

Dyes are the most ubiquitous organic pollutants in industrial effluents. They are highly toxic to both plants and animals; thus, their removal is paramount to the sustainability of ecosystem. However, they have shown resistance to photolysis and various biological, physical, and chemical wastewater remediation processes. Membrane removal technology has been vital for the filtration/separation of the dyes. In comparison to polymeric membranes, inorganic and mixed matrix (MM) membranes have shown potentials to the removal of dyes. The inorganic and MM membranes are particularly effective due to their high porosity, enhanced stability, improved permeability, higher enhanced selectivity and good stability and resistance to harsh chemical and thermal conditions. They have shown prospects in filtration/separation, adsorption, and catalytic degradation of the dyes. This review highlighted the advantages of the inorganic and MM membranes for the various removal techniques for the treatments of the dyes. Methods for the membranes production have been reviewed. Their application for the filtration/separation and adsorption have been critically analyzed. Their application as support for advanced oxidation processes such as persulfate, photo-Fenton and photocatalytic degradations have been highlighted. The mechanisms underscoring the efficiency of the processes have been cited. Lastly, comments were given on the prospects and challenges of both inorganic and MM membranes towards removal of the dyes from industrial effluents.

State-of-the-Art Advances and Current Applications of Gel-Based Membranes

Gel-based membranes, a fusion of polymer networks and liquid components, have emerged as versatile tools in a variety of technological domains thanks to their unique structural and functional attributes. Historically rooted in basic filtration tasks, recent advancements in synthetic strategies have increased the mechanical strength, selectivity, and longevity of these membranes. This review summarizes their evolution, emphasizing breakthroughs that have positioned them at the forefront of cutting-edge applications. They have the potential for desalination and pollutant removal in water treatment processes, delivering efficiency that often surpasses conventional counterparts. The biomedical field has embraced them for drug delivery and tissue engineering, capitalizing on their biocompatibility and tunable properties. Additionally, their pivotal role in energy storage as gel electrolytes in batteries and fuel cells underscores their adaptability. However, despite monumental progress in gel-based membrane research, challenges persist, particularly in scalability and long-term stability. This synthesis provides an overview of the state-of-the-art applications of gel-based membranes and discusses potential strategies to overcome current limitations, laying the foundation for future innovations in this dynamic field.