Membrane distillation: Progress in the improvement of dedicated membranes for enhanced hydrophobicity and desalination performance

[Display omitted] Membrane distillation (MD), a second-generation separation technology has been identified as vital industrial process due to outstanding properties for seawater desalination. In this article, an overview of recent progress in the membrane improvements to enhance MD and desalination performance. MD membranes with better performance perspective can be enhanced by blending and surface modification strategies. In the literatures, the emergence of the nanotechnological techniques has shown to be of greater impact on MD efficiency. Further efforts are needed towards the functionalization of nanomaterials and the development of innovative polymers. In order to achieve sustainability in MD, there is also need of life cycle assessment in MD plants so as to quantify their environmental impact. It is expected that this article will provide a perception on potential outlook for future MD improvement and performance.