Conductive nanofiltration: From materials to applications

Conductive nanofiltration membranes are emerging as a transformative class of separation materials capable of coupling molecular selectivity with dynamic electrochemical control. Unlike conventional NF systems that operate as passive diffusion barriers, conductive NF architecture enables tunable transport behavior, on-demand fouling mitigation, and electrically mediated interfacial processes, positioning them at the frontier of next-generation water treatment and resource recovery. This review systematically examines the rapidly expanding landscape of conductive nanofiltration technologies, highlighting advances in material platforms, including metals, carbon nanostructures, conductive polymers, MXenes, and nanocellulose frameworks, and the fabrication strategies that underpin their performance, ranging from interfacial polymerization with conductive monomers to vacuum-assisted assembly, electropolymerization, and freestanding membrane engineering. We discuss key mechanistic pathways through which electric fields influence membrane behavior, including electrostatic modulation, electro-osmosis, electrokinetic transport, non-faradaic and faradaic interfacial phenomena, and electrocatalytic contaminant transformation. Critical challenges related to stability, charge retention, microstructure control, and scalable manufacturing are identified, alongside emerging opportunities in hybrid electro-separation–electrocatalytic platforms, real-time self-cleaning membranes, and stimuli-responsive architectures capable of adaptive selectivity under variable feed conditions. Looking forward, integrating advanced modeling, machine learning, standardized testing protocols, and system-level optimization with sustainable fabrication routes and pilot-scale validation will be essential to bridge laboratory innovation with industrial implementation. Collectively, this review provides a comprehensive foundation and a structured research roadmap for accelerating the development of conductive nanofiltration membranes as a new paradigm in high-efficiency, low-carbon water purification.