Bio-based tannic acid as a raw material for membrane surface modification

Membrane technology has a great potential for applications in ecology, biology and chemistry, but it suffers from limitations such as low separation efficiency, poor stability, unsatisfactory permeability, and poor anti-fouling ability. Tannic acid (TA) emerges as an ideal raw material for membrane surface modification owing to its phenolic hydroxyl group and aromatic ring structure. This review not only summarizes the relationship between TA structure and the modified membrane properties, but also introduces the applications of TA-modified membranes since 2020, categorized by the type of driving force. The synthetic strategies of TA-modified membranes and the role of TA in membrane surface adjustment are also addressed. Finally, we share our thoughts about the opportunities and challenges in this field. [Display omitted] •Summarize the relationship between TA structure and membrane properties•Introduce the applications of TA-modified membranes during 2020-present•Address synthetic strategies of TA-modified membranes and the TA roles in membrane surface modification•Demonstrate the challenges and opportunities in the field to insight regarding its further development.