Carbon-based polymer nanocomposite membranes for desalination

This chapter surveys the recent published literatures and current studies on the carbon-based nanomaterial embedded membranes and their applications in the desalination process. Using nanomaterials in the preparation of membrane has not only demonstrated excellent antifouling resistance, but also possibly overcome the trade-off effect between water permeability and solute selectivity. Nanomaterials affect the permeability, selectivity, hydrophilicity, conductivity, mechanical strength, thermal stability, and the antiviral and antibacterial properties of polymeric membranes. This chapter includes an introduction to carbon-based nanomaterials, fabrication of nanocomposite desalination membranes, and their properties with respect to desalination. This involves different membrane processes, and opportunities and challenges of those materials in desalination applications.