ABSTRACT
Traditionally, separation membranes are mostly dense polymeric lms where advanced chemistry is used to control the surface properties of the lms produced. A wide range of polymers and production techniques have been used, resulting in a great diversity in the structure and function of separation membranes tailored to a wide variety of applications. Membrane separation is usually described in terms of pore/solute size, pore/solute charge, and dielectric effects, coupled with diffusion or convective ow. Occasionally, more complex partitioning and transport mechanisms are used; however, more synthetic membranes may be broadly described as polymer sheets containing micron to nanometer-sized holes. Polymeric membranes are costly, with short life, and need maintenance during the process. However, there is a continuing quest for membranes with improved performance to provide better separations at even lower energy demands.
