Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hesam Jafarian, Mostafa Dadashi Firouzjaei, Sadegh Aghapour Aktij, Amir Aghaei, Mohsen Pilevar Khomami, Mark Elliott, Evan K. Wujcik, Mohtada Sadrzadeh, Ahmad Rahimpour
Summary: This study fabricated novel NF membranes composed of graphene oxide (GO) and Zn-based metal-organic framework (ZIF-7) nanocomposites on a chitosan (CTS)-coated polyethersulfone (PES) substrate for the removal of dyes and organic contaminants. The results showed that the introduction of GO-ZIF-7 enhanced the hydrophilicity and dye removal rate of the membranes, and improved their antifouling and anti-biofouling performances.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Beibei Liu, Shuo Zhang, Zheng Yao, Liangliang Dong, Yunxiang Bai, Chunfang Zhang
Summary: A thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane incorporating graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (CNQDs) was successfully developed via a simple interfacial polymerization method. The TFN membrane exhibited higher permeation flux and rejection rate compared to the original thin-film composite membrane, in addition to excellent antifouling properties.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Novin Mehrabi, Nirupam Aich
Summary: In this study, different graphene oxide (GO) based nanohybrids were synthesized using choline chloride/ethylene glycol deep eutectic solvents (DES) by reducing metal precursors and conjugating them onto the GO surface. Various characterization techniques confirmed the successful preparation of these nanohybrids. Among them, the DES/GO-TiO2 nanohybrid was used to prepare an ultrafast lamellar nanofiltration membrane with self-cleaning properties. The membrane's performance was evaluated in terms of water permeance, dye rejection, and salt rejection, and the DES/GO-TiO2(1:4) membrane with 50 mg/m2 showed the highest water permeance and dye rejection with low salt rejection, indicating its potential effectiveness for selective dye/salt separation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Si-Yuan Fang, Ji-Lai Gong, Lin Tang, Juan Li, Meng Qin, Huai-Yang Zhou, Liang-Xiu Tang, Jun Zhao
Summary: Researchers have developed a nanofiltration membrane functionalized with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to enhance micropollutant removal and wastewater reclamation. The nature-inspired MOF-based thin-film nanocomposite (TFN-CU) membrane showed high water permeance, exceptional rejection for antibiotics, and excellent long-term stability. It also demonstrated superior antifouling capability in protein filtration after fouling cycles. These findings provide valuable insights for the design of antifouling membranes in antibiotic wastewater reclamation.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vahid Vatanpour, Maryam Jouyandeh, Hossein Akhi, Seyed Soroush Mousavi Khadem, Mohammad Reza Ganjali, Hiresh Moradi, Somayeh Mirsadeghi, Alireza Badiei, Amin Esmaeili, Navid Rabiee, Sajjad Habibzadeh, Ismail Koyuncu, Sasan Nouranian, Krzysztof Formela, Mohammad Reza Saeb
Summary: In this study, PEI-SiO2/PSF nanocomposite membranes were prepared using nonsolvent-induced phase separation. The results showed that PEI-SiO2 nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in the PSF-based membranes, leading to a decrease in water contact angle and improvements in fouling resistance and permeability.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Junwen Ding, Heng Liang, Xuewu Zhu, Daliang Xu, Xinsheng Luo, Zihui Wang, Langming Bai
Summary: The zwitterion-modified membranes prepared in this study showed enhanced antifouling properties, with mechanisms analyzed including the modified layer, free interfacial energy, and hydration layer. The TFC-PDA-PSBMA membrane exhibited superior fouling resistance and antibacterial fouling performance, providing new insights for membrane design in brackish water treatment.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zahra Nadizadeh, Hossein Mahdavi
Summary: In this research, a method was developed to stabilize RAFT initiators on the surface of polyamide NF membranes, followed by successful grafting of a zwitterionic polymer pMEDSAH to reduce irreversible protein adsorption. The prepared grafting membranes showed promising potential for practical applications.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
A. Kumar, K. Nayak, A. S. Muench, P. Uhlmann, A. Fery, B. P. Tripathi
Summary: Polydopamine and poly(MPC-co-GMA) were combined to create a robust zwitterionic antifouling surface, which exhibited superhydrophilic character and excellent performance in oil-water separation. The modified membrane showed high oil rejection and flux recovery rates, making it a promising solution for long-term water purification and separation applications.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Muhammad Azam Qamar, Mohsin Javed, Sammia Shahid, Mohammad Shariq, Mohammed M. Fadhali, Syed Kashif Ali, Mohd. Shakir Khan
Summary: Combining semiconducting membrane with nanomaterials is a promising approach to effectively remove various waste products from water with low energy consumption and reduced pollution. The challenge lies in developing an inexpensive, stable, flexible, and versatile material for membrane production. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has emerged as a viable material for membranes due to its unique structure and high catalytic activity. Its durability, permanency in challenging environments, and long-term use without flux decrease provide significant advantages.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Charlene Kaye Solomon Haresco, Micah Belle Marie Yap Ang, Bonifacio T. Doma, Shu-Hsien Huang, Kueir-Rarn Lee
Summary: Novel P(DA-SBMA) nanoparticles were synthesized and embedded in thin-film nanocomposite membranes to enhance membrane separation efficiency and hydrophilicity. The optimal TFNP(DA-SBMA)-0.55 membrane exhibited high salt rejections and pure water flux, along with excellent anti-fouling properties against proteins.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nor Naimah Rosyadah Ahmad, Abdul Wahab Mohammad, Ebrahim Mahmoudi, Wei Lun Ang, Choe Peng Leo, Yeit Haan Teow
Summary: Due to the increasing demand for water resources, freshwater deficiency has become a significant issue affecting social and economic development in many countries. Nanofiltration (NF) is a promising technology for water reclamation, especially in desalination, water, and wastewater treatment fields. However, membrane fouling remains a major concern that hampers the performance of NF membranes and increases operating costs. This review summarizes recent progress in improving the resistance to fouling in NF membranes using three types of antifouling modifiers: nanoparticles, polymers, and composite polymer/nanoparticles. The review also discusses the correlation between antifouling performance and membrane properties such as hydrophilicity, surface chemistry, surface charge, and morphology.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhengyang Gu, Ping Li, Xuerui Gao, Yuan Qin, Yishuai Pan, Youbing Zhu, Shuili Yu, Qing Xia, Yanling Liu, Dongsheng Zhao, Guicai Liu
Summary: The incorporation of nanoporous covalent organic frameworks (NCOFs) optimized the structure of nanofiltration membranes, enhancing water permeance and solute rejection capacity. The NCOF-functionalized CTN membranes exhibited excellent stability and anti-fouling ability during long-term filtration of saline solutions.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mingyang Zhou, Junchao Chen, Wenjin Zhou, Juan Sun, Hongyan Tang
Summary: Inspired by fish scales, a facile method was used to develop composite NF membranes with highly stable antifouling property. The surface of the membranes were modified with micro/nano hydrophilic SiO2 spheres, leading to excellent antifouling performance against various substances.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Daniel James Johnson, Nidal Hilal
Summary: Much research has been done in recent years on the use of nanomaterials as fillers in polymeric nanofiltration membranes to improve water transport and fouling resistance. This field is still immature and requires further research.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yafang Liu, Ming Yi, Yan Wang
Summary: In this study, a novel method of incorporating antibiotics into membranes with minimal loss of activity was proposed. A boronate ester-based membrane was fabricated using the non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) method, followed by cross-linking with trimesoyl chloride (TMC) to form a loose nanofiltration (LNF) membrane. The pH responsive nature of boronate ester complexes allows for the release of boronic acid groups, which act as binding sites for diol-bearing antibiotics. This membrane demonstrated excellent biocidal effect against both Gram-negative and positive bacteria, with high water permeance.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ayesha Kausar, Ishaq Ahmad, Malik Maaza, M. H. Eisa
Summary: Securing existing water resources is crucial and several advanced water treatment technologies have been developed. The development of water filtration membranes for desalination, ion permeation, and microbes handling is considered the most successful methodology. Polymer/fullerene nanocomposite membranes have important applications in water treatment, leading to revolutions in high-performance membranes.
Review
Polymer Science
Ayesha Kausar
Summary: This review focuses on the structure and features of high performance covalently linked polymer/fullerene nanocomposites. Through covalent bonding, polymer chains can be attached to fullerene molecules, which improves fullerene dispersion and interactions with the matrix-nanofiller. Fullerene molecules have been grafted onto conducting polymers and thermoplastic/thermosetting polymers/block copolymers, resulting in exceptional structural, morphological, electrical, thermal, and other physical properties. Unique star-shape/dendritic polymer/fullerene assemblies have also been observed. The covalently interconnected polymer/fullerene nanocomposites exhibit remarkable physical properties for high-tech applications such as solar cells, optical sensors, supercapacitors, and biomedical fields.
POLYMER-PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY AND MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Ayesha Kausar
Summary: Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) is an inorganic-organic nanoreinforcement that has been modified to form POSS-nanocarbon nanostructures. These nanostructures enhance the physical/chemical interactions and compatibility of POSS molecules with organic matrices. Including POSS-nanocarbon in nanocomposites improves their structural, morphological, thermal, mechanical, and other physical characteristics.
POLYMER-PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY AND MATERIALS
(2023)
Art Exhibit Review
Polymer Science
Ayesha Kausar
Summary: Porphyrins are unique heterocyclic molecules composed of four modified pyrrole rings connected via methine groups. They have been enhanced by developing linked nanostructures with nanocarbons such as carbon nanotube, graphene, and fullerene through electron donor-acceptor interactions. These nanocomposites, reinforced in polymeric matrices, exhibit high surface area, conductivity, optical, thermal, mechanical capacitance, sensing, and photocatalytic properties. The high-performance nanocomposite structures have found applications in sensors, supercapacitors, and solar cells.
JOURNAL OF MACROMOLECULAR SCIENCE PART A-PURE AND APPLIED CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Composites
Ayesha Kausar
Summary: Polyimide is a high performance polymer with imide functionalities, possessing a wide range of properties. Fullerene, a zero dimensional symmetrical nanocarbon, has been used as a nanofiller in polyimide films to enhance their features and performance. This review focuses on the fundamentals, structure, properties, and applications of polyimide films, particularly those reinforced with fullerene nanofiller. Various methods have been employed to prepare polyimide/fullerene nanocomposite films, and numerous experimental and theoretical studies have been conducted. These unique films have found significant applications in optoelectronic devices, photodetectors, and sensors.
JOURNAL OF THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Composites
Ayesha Kausar, Ishaq Ahmad, Sobia A. Rakha, M. H. Eisa, Abdoulaye Diallo
Summary: This article summarizes the fundamentals, design, and manufacturing strategies used for sandwich composites. It discusses the different core materials, manufacturing techniques, and machining processes involved in the production of sandwich composite structures. It also highlights the high-performance significance of sandwiched composite structures in industries such as aerospace, automobile, and energy absorption applications.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Composites
Ayesha Kausar, Ishaq Ahmad
Summary: Electromagnetic interference affects electronic devices, surroundings, and human health. Conducting polymers and their nanocomposites with nanoparticles have been developed for effective EMI shielding. These materials offer fine electrical conductivity and enhanced radiation protection capabilities.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Composites
Ayesha Kausar, Ishaq Ahmad, Tingkai Zhao, Malik Maaza, Patrizia Bocchetta
Summary: Fuel cell efficiency can be enhanced by using progressive electrodes and electrolytes, including green nanomaterials and green technologies. The replacement of platinum-based electrodes with green materials and nanocomposites through green fabrication approaches leads to the development of environmentally friendly fuel cells. The application of green nanocomposites in fuel cell electrode and electrolyte materials, along with green synthesis techniques, has demonstrated significant improvements in morphology, impedance, resistance, power density, current density, electrochemical features, proton conductivity, and overall efficiency. The future importance and challenges of utilizing green nanocomposites in electrodes and electrolytes to achieve efficient fuel cells are also discussed.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Composites
Ayesha Kausar, Ishaq Ahmad, Tingkai Zhao, M. H. Eisa, O. Aldaghri, Meenal Gupta, Patrizia Bocchetta
Summary: Graphene, a unique nanocarbon nanostructure, is widely used in the formation of nanocomposites. Recently, there has been a focus on green-synthesized graphene due to environmental concerns. This review highlights the application of green-synthesized graphene-based nanocomposites in energy storage devices, specifically in supercapacitor components. The structural diversity of polymer/green-synthesized graphene nanocomposites has improved the performance of supercapacitor electrodes by enhancing charge transportation/storage capacity, specific capacitance, capacitance retention, cyclability, and durability. Factors such as green synthesis methods, graphene functionality, dispersion, and interactions with the matrix-nanofiller also influence the supercapacitance properties and performance. Further research on innovative polymer and green graphene-derived nanocomposites may address the challenges in design and performance for technical applications.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ayesha Kausar, Ishaq Ahmad, Tingkai Zhao, Osamah Aldaghri, Khalid H. H. Ibnaouf, M. H. Eisa
Summary: This review focuses on the applications of polymer/graphene nanocomposites in energy storage and conversion devices such as supercapacitors, Li-ion batteries, and fuel cells. Graphene's unique structure and features make it an indispensable material among carbon nanomaterials. Graphene-based nanocomposites provide advanced properties such as high surface area, electron conductivity, capacitance, energy density, charge-discharge, cyclic stability, and power conversion efficiency for efficient energy devices. Furthermore, these nanocomposites exhibit superior microstructure, mechanical robustness, and heat stability. Despite their essential features, overcoming challenges is necessary to achieve advanced device performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ayesha Kausar
Summary: Graphite can be converted into nano-graphite through physical and chemical methods, which has better performance than pristine graphitic materials. This review focuses on the essential features, design versatilities, and applications of polymer/nano-graphite nanocomposites in solar cells, electromagnetic shielding, and electronic devices.
C-JOURNAL OF CARBON RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ayesha Kausar, Ishaq Ahmad, M. H. Eisa, Malik Maaza
Summary: This review explores the impact of graphene and graphene-based nanocomposites on aerospace applications. Graphene-derived nanocomposites have been considered for their fabrication and indispensable features. Aerospace nanocomposites with graphene have been investigated for various applications including processability, structural features, morphology, heat stability, mechanical properties, flame resistance, electrical/thermal conductivity, radiation protection, and adhesion.
C-JOURNAL OF CARBON RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Ayesha Kausar
Summary: This review discusses the design and existing/emerging technologies of carbohydrate polymeric nanocomposites and their promising applications in the biomedical field. The interactions between the matrix and nanofillers create synergistic effects, enabling these nanocomposites to be used in various biomedical applications such as biosensing, antibacterial activities, wound healing, tissue engineering, and drug delivery systems.
POLYMER-PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY AND MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Ayesha Kausar
Summary: Shape memory polymer can recover its original shape under external stimuli, and by incorporating nanocarbons, especially fullerene, its performance can be enhanced. The nanocomposite exhibits superior structural characteristics and shape memory effects, while the matrix-nanofiller interaction and compatibility improve dispersion and nanomaterial properties.
POLYMER-PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY AND MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Ayesha Kausar
Summary: This article presents recent research progress in the field of conducting polymer and fullerene-based nanocomposites, which have wide applications in energy and electronics sectors.
POLYMER-PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY AND MATERIALS
(2023)
