Preparation and Application of Advanced Functional Membranes

It is claimed that membranes will bring a large number of benefits to the fields of water and environmental remediation, energy production and storage, transport and space, industry, agriculture and foods, health and biomedicine, as well as the automotive industry, fashion and textiles, architecture and cultural heritage. A high quality of life, healthcare, comfort, safety, protection, security and defense can be ensured through the implementation of sophisticated membrane technologies. However, the successful application of membrane processes depends largely on the properties of single membranes. High selectivity-productivity trade-offs and a broader dynamic range of sophisticated mechanisms of separation, recognition, transcription, transmission and recovery can have a strong impact during membrane processes. In recent years, the membrane concept has undergone a profound evolution, moving from traditional physical barriers to dynamic and interactive interfaces. Today, new membrane models are conceived as multicompartment arrays, where the interplay of complementary functions and high-defined volumetric spaces can be achieved through complex and multifaceted combinations of materials, which force the use of developed and sustainable practices based on a green manufacturing. This Special Issue aims to bridge the gap between materials science, process technology and circular green transition rules through: a) the synthesis of new greener, natural and biodegradable materials with unusual properties and outstanding performances; b) the characterization and assessment of transport mechanisms; and c) innovative and smart applications. Membrane digitization is a further challenge that we currently face to make the membrane technology a positive choice consistent with the modern times and methods. This Special Issue aims to gather the recent developments on: (i) ecofriendly practices for the fabrication of hybrid nanocomposite membranes, smart surfaces and coatings; (ii) computational studies and simulations; (iii) new tools for membrane characterization; (iv) strategies to control wetting and fouling events, molecular solubility, affinity and diffusion; (v) cooperative mechanisms for selective filtration, separation and conversion; (vi) integrated manufacturing and digitization membrane technologies; and (vii) groundbreaking and singular applications in every field. The formats of research may include (but are not limited to) the following: original articles, reviews and mini-reviews, communications, comparative perspectives, and opinions.