A Review on Nano-Composite Membranes: Their Synthesis Routes and Applications for Membrane Based Gas Separation

The application of membranes in the separation processes has been increased due to their advantages, such as: lower power consumption, easy separation, accessibility of the separated phases and less environmental problems. Research in the field of membranes and membrane separation processes is in progress. New ideas in this field consist of synthesis and characterization of nanocomposite membranes. The nanocomposite membranes have been more efficient than other membranes due to their unique structural properties. In general, nanocomposite membranes are classified into two categories: organic and inorganic. Inorganic nanocomposite membranes are polymeric membranes in which nanosize inorganic fillers are added to improve their thermal stability and permeability. These membranes enjoy high industrial capabilities. Nanocomposite inorganic membranes are in fact used to eliminate the structural and surface defects of traditional inorganic membranes, among which are the two-fiber membranes of carbon-zeolite and alumina-zeolite. In this article, a comprehensive review has been presented about the classification of nanocomposite membranes and their synthesis routes in the gas separation processes. Finally, the future and prospects of nanocomposite membranes application have been discussed.