Polymer-based nanocomposite membranes for industrial wastewater treatment: A review

The demand for freshwater consumption has outpaced the rapid population growth, urbanization, and industrialization. Polymer nanocomposite plays an effective role in minimizing various environmental issues, including wastewater pollution. Integrating newly generated novel nanomaterials has sparked revolutionary and advantageous innovative nanotechnologies for industrial wastewater treatment. Nanomaterials have been used to create very effective materials for environmental applications, piquing the interest of academia and business worldwide. Additionally, improvements in polymer nanocomposite materials' characteristics have opened a wide range of industrial applications. Because they enhance membrane transport properties and offer exceptional stability under various operational conditions, polymer nanocomposites play a vital role in membrane materials. As a result, nanocomposite membranes are a new class of membranes made at the nanoscale from organic and inorganic polymeric materials. They are believed to perform better than traditional membranes. The present study reviewed the synthesis of polymer-based nanocomposite membrane technologies and the implementation of the polymer-based nanocomposite membrane in wastewater treatment. Furthermore, the review concentrated on patents related to cutting-edge polymer nanocomposites utilized in environmental applications. The inquiry also examined the thermodynamics of polymer blends, specifically focusing on their material transport and solubility. Besides, the physicochemical properties of the polymer-based nanocomposite membranes and their interaction with wastewater treatment were also reviewed in the present study. [Display omitted] •Polymeric membrane modified by various nanoparticles to alter hydrophobicity and surface properties to reduce fouling.•The choice of nanoparticles is crucial in defining the performance of polymer-based nanocomposite membranes.•Typical nanofillers employed include graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, metal oxide nanoparticles, and clay nanoparticles.•A diverse range of inorganic and organic materials are used to fabricate nanocomposite membranes for wastewater treatment.•Advanced in the properties of polymer nanocomposite materials have opened extensive potential industrial applications.