Recent Progress in Green Thin Film Membrane Based Materials for Desalination: Design, Properties and Applications

The urgent need for sustainable solutions to address freshwater scarcity has encouraged significant research interest in green thin film membrane-based materials (GTFM) for desalination applications. This review paper comprehensively examines recent progress in these innovative membranes' design, properties, and applications. Emphasizing environmental sustainability and efficiency, various fabrication techniques such as electrospinning, layer-by-layer assembly, and template synthesis are discussed for their role in tailoring membrane structures at the nanoscale. The review highlights the importance of incorporating eco-friendly materials, such as biopolymers, natural extracts, and nanocellulose, in membrane formulations to enhance biodegradability and reduce environmental impact. Furthermore, the paper investigates the crucial properties of green film membranes, including permeability, selectivity, mechanical strength, and fouling resistance. Additionally, the review explores recent advancements in functionalization strategies, such as surface modification and incorporation of nanomaterials, to enhance membrane properties and address specific desalination challenges. The applications of green thin film membranes across various desalination technologies, including reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, and forward osmosis, are thoroughly examined. Moreover, the review discusses emerging trends and future directions in green thin film membrane research, such as multifunctional membranes, hybrid systems, and integrated desalination processes. In summary, this review provides valuable insights into the design principles, fundamental properties, and diverse applications of GTFM-based materials for sustainable desalination, paving the way for the development of next-generation water purification technologies.