New Horizons in Membrane Science: from Preparation to Application

The field of membrane science is in a state of rapid growth and development. Many different breakthroughs in recent decades have been accomplished towards improving the separation properties of existing membrane materials and in proposing new processes, such as energy conversion processes and specialized biomedical diagnostics based on membranes. Each application requires membranes with well-defined properties and characteristics, providing high separation performance and working with a low energy consumption. In this context, different approaches have already been envisaged based on the use of new membrane materials and innovative production methods. Among others, the newly available nanomaterials, the development of tailored block copolymers, and the recent use of 1D, 2D, or 3D materials, together with recent fabrication procedures, play a crucial role in the production of membranes with continuously improving performance. Membranes with improved stability, selectivity, and permeability, specifically tailored for a determined application, are highly desired. Currently, the innovation in membrane preparation is also subject to an increasing environmental awareness oriented toward the replacement of hazardous solvents used in membrane fabrication with benign alternatives, and to the use of new renewable materials.