Breaking barriers in membrane separation: Power of functional coatings

Membrane separation technology is increasingly important in various fields because of its high separation efficiency and environmental sustainability. However, membrane materials are susceptible to fouling, chemical corrosion, and physical wear during operation, which limits their long-term performance and stability. Researchers have extensively studied coating technologies to overcome these challenges by introducing functional coatings that impart various properties to the membrane surface. This review provides a comprehensive summary and discussion of these coating technologies, analyzing how various coating materials improve membrane performance by enhancing hydrophilicity, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength. The review also discusses various coating design methods that build uniform and stable layers on the membrane surface and optimize separation efficiency and durability. Specific case studies illustrate the effectiveness of functional coatings in liquid recovery and chemical separation, while challenges in industrial-scale applications are analyzed. Overall, this review offers a thorough evaluation of the impact of various coating materials and methods on membrane performance, identifying areas for further research in coating technologies for membrane separation.