A review of zeolite materials used in membranes for water purification: history, applications, challenges and future trends

This review provides a fundamental assessment of the potential zeolite particles incorporated into polymeric membranes in view improving performance these membranes. Zeolites are interest as having extensive separation processes due to their unique frameworks and properties. Significant investigations have been carried out improve conventional membrane properties by inclusion zeolites. Zeolite can be classified three categories: (i) self-supported membranes, (ii) inorganic-supported (iii) zeolites mixed matrix or top layer. The focus this is on nanosized structure with specific attention polyamide layer used pressure-driven such reverse osmosis. incorporation inorganic polymer enhances permeability without decreasing selectivity, increases mechanical strength harsh environment fouling chlorine resistance Agglomeration defect formation highlighted main obstacles fabrication large-scale high-performance order identify strategies solve issues. Among different strategies, adding crosslinking agent interfacial polymerization process might promising method for fabricating homogeneous zeolite–polymer composite excellent performance. paper better understanding knowledge acquired development polymer-based nanocomposite gives perspectives future research. © 2021 Society Chemical Industry (SCI).