Recent progress and challenges in nanocomposite membranes for efficient removal of hazardous per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances from water sources

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent contaminants in aquatic environments, posing significant risks to ecosystems and human health. Traditional low-pore-size membranes rely on size exclusion, electrostatic repulsion, and hydrophobic interactions for PFAS removal, but the molecular size and functionality of PFAS can complicate fouling control and reduce filtration efficiency. In this regard, nanocomposite membranes have emerged as promising solutions, offering advanced separation capabilities and enhanced resistance to fouling for producing clean water from polluted water sources. The development of nanocomposites has driven significant advancements in membrane technologies, including mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), nanolaminate membranes (NLMs), thin-film nanocomposites (TFN), and nanocomposite electrospun nanofiber membranes (NENMs). This review highlights recent progress in these nanocomposite membranes, focusing on their effectiveness in treating PFAS-contaminated wastewater. It highlights significant research gaps in PFAS treatment while highlighting the efficiency of nanomaterials and advanced fabrication techniques in improving membrane performance for improved water permeation. This study explores the capabilities of nanostructured MMMs, NLMs, NENMs, and TFN membranes for optimizing membrane design to enhance the removal of hazardous PFAS contaminants from water sources. Emerging NLMs and NENMs demonstrate superior water permeability and PFAS rejection while integrating well with advanced oxidation technologies for efficient wastewater treatment. A correlation analysis was conducted to assess the performance of nanocomposite membranes. Additionally, challenges related to large-scale applications of nanocomposite membranes are discussed. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for researchers on the design of novel nanocomposite membranes for the efficient treatment of PFAS-laden wastewater.