A comprehensive review of polyacrylonitrile membranes: modifications and applications

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) membranes have garnered significant due to their exceptional properties and versatility. PAN membranes are synthesized via fabrication techniques such as phase inversion and electrospinning and possess PAN qualities of excellent mechanical strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. Modifications like surface treatment, fabrications of composites, blends, and grafting are quite popular in adapting PAN membranes to diverse applications and improving their performance and qualities. These modifications provide incredible membrane customizability and help tailor specific properties according to performance requirements. As such, PAN membranes have found applications in multiple areas like oil–water separation, heavy metal ion removal, water purification, hemodialysis, lithium-ion batteries, and many more. The paper throws light on various fabrication techniques for PAN membranes and comprehensively reviews various modifications of PAN membranes along with their diverse applications. Additionally, recent advancements and emerging trends in PAN membrane research are discussed, providing insights into future directions for innovation and development. Graphical abstract