Preparation and Application of Nanofiltration Membranes

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on the cutting-edge developments in nanofiltration (NF) membranes. They exhibit unique properties that allow for the efficient rejection of multivalent ions and larger organic molecules, while maintaining high permeability for monovalent ions and smaller solutes. This balance of selectivity and permeability has driven their widespread application across various sectors, including water purification, wastewater treatment, and resource recovery. The continued innovation in membrane materials, surface modifications, and fabrication techniques has expanded the functional capabilities of NF membranes, addressing challenges such as fouling and enhancing membrane longevity and performance. Given the increasing global demand for sustainable separation technologies, research on NF membranes is critical for addressing both environmental and industrial challenges, pushing the boundaries of their applications in diverse and complex systems.

The focus of this Special Issue will be on the following topics:

• Materials and Fabrication Techniques: Innovations in membrane materials, surface modification, and fabrication methods that improve NF membrane performance in terms of permeability, selectivity, stability, and resistance to harsh environments.
• Fouling and Antifouling Strategies: Novel approaches to minimize membrane fouling, including surface coatings, advanced cleaning techniques, and antifouling material design.
• Functionalization and Hybrid Membranes: The development of multifunctional NF membranes with enhanced chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties, as well as hybrid membranes combining NF with other technologies (e.g., photocatalysis, electrodialysis).
• Applications in Water and Organic Solvent Systems: Case studies and research on NF and OSN applications, including drinking water purification, wastewater treatment, desalination, solvent recovery, and the selective separation of organic compounds.
• Industrial and Environmental Applications: The role of NF membranes in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage processing, and energy production, including their use for resource recovery and environmental sustainability.
• Theoretical and Modeling Studies: Insights from computational and experimental studies that address the transport mechanisms, fouling dynamics, and molecular separation processes in NF membranes.

We welcome submissions that explore innovative materials, fabrication techniques, and applications in NF membrane technology. Both experimental research and theoretical modeling are highly encouraged, particularly those addressing practical challenges and future perspectives in this rapidly evolving field.

Dr. Meiling Liu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Membranes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• nanofiltration
• desalination
• membrane fouling
• organic solvent nanofiltration
• interfacial polymerization
• molecular separation