Membrane Crystallization for Process Intensification and Control: A Review

Crystallization is a fundamental separation technology used for the production of particulate solids. Accurate nucleation and growth process control are vitally important but difficult. A novel controlling technology that can simultaneously intensify the overall crystallization process remains a significant challenge. Membrane crystallization (MCr), which has progressed significantly in recent years, is a hybrid technology platform with great potential to address this goal. This review illustrates the basic concepts of MCr and its promising applications for crystallization control and process intensification, including a state-of-the-art review of key MCr-utilized membrane materials, process control mechanisms, and optimization strategies based on diverse hybrid membranes and crystallization processes. Finally, efforts to promote MCr technology to industrial use, unexplored issues, and open questions to be addressed are outlined.