The applications of nanomaterials and nanocomposite in membrane desalination are anticipated to foster untapped initiatives and innovation in fundamental science, engineering and technology to spearhead the new wave of leading edge sustainable membrane desalination technology.
Mickley, Concentrate management, in: M. Wilf (Ed)., The Guidebook to Membrane Desalination Technology: Reverese Osmosis, Nanofiltration and Hybrid Systems Process, Design, Applications and Economics, Balaban Desalination Publications, L'Aquila, Italy, 2007, p. 524.].
This short review provides a brief insight into the roles and prospective of nanotechnology, particularly the nano-enabled membrane technology, to serve as a key element to render feasible solutions for sustainable development in membrane desalination technology.
Owing to their versatility and immense potentials to evolve scientific and technical innovations, nanotechnology is probably one of the most prominent strategies that has gained growing scientific and public recognition to provide solutions that can extend the limits of sustainability in membrane desalination technology.
Membrane based desalination technologies have the potential to solve the fresh water crisis in coastal areas.
For this purpose, we propose a superstructure that includes both membrane based desalination technologies, allowing the selection of only one of the technologies or a combination of both of them seeking for the optimal configuration of the network.
The Center has sponsored 34 research projects on various topic areas of desalination; thermal and membrane processes, alternative desalination technologies, hybrid systems, energy and environmental issues, operation and maintenance, intake and outfalls, assessment studies, and certification.
Membrane desalination and water purification technologies have become important energy-efficient means to secure fresh water resources around the globe.
Membrane methods are less energy intensive than thermal methods and since energy consumption directly affects the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of using desalination technologies membrane methods such as reverse osmosis (RO) and electrodialysis (ED), are attracted great attention lately.
