Pervaporation membranes for biobutanol production

Because of the emerging scarcity of oil resources and the demand for environmental protection, as a typical biofuel, biobutanol produced by biomass fermentation is critical for the development of renewable energy. Pervaporation is considered to be an attractive separation technology for both the recovery of butanol from fermentation broth and the dehydration of butanol from low-water content solutions. Thus, as the core of the pervaporation process, pervaporation membranes, including organophilic membranes and hydrophilic membranes, are employed for the separation purpose. This article aims at reviewing the recent research progress in pervaporation membranes involved in biobutanol production. Both polymeric and inorganic membranes are discussed in terms of their design, fabrication, modification, morphology, structure, pervaporation performance, process, etc. A summary of the current state and perspectives of future development of pervaporation membranes for producing biobutanol is also made.