Membrane Surface Engineering in Membrane Distillation: Principles, Challenges, and Advances

Document Type : other

Authors

1 Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

3 Chem. Dep. Shahid Chamran university of ahvaz

4 Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

10.22063/basparesh.2026.35865.1769

Abstract

The growing demand for freshwater resources, coupled with the limited availability of potable water, has made the development of advanced desalination technologies a global necessity. Among these, membrane distillation (MD) has attracted considerable attention as a promising desalination technique due to its ability to operate at relatively low temperatures, utilize low-grade thermal energy sources, and achieve effective rejection of salts and contaminants. Despite these advantages, the widespread application of MD is hindered by challenges such as membrane wetting and inorganic scaling, which can lead to flux decline, reduced separation efficiency, and shortened membrane lifespan. Therefore, developing strategies to mitigate these issues is of paramount importance. One effective approach involves membrane surface engineering through the reduction of surface energy and the creation of micro- and nanoscale rough structures in the membranes. Such modifications can enhance hydrophobicity, improve operational stability, and reduce the tendency for wetting and foulant accumulation. This review article discusses the fundamental principles of membrane distillation, the major operational challenges, and recent advances in performance enhancement strategies, with a particular focus on surface modification and the use of low-surface-energy materials.

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Basparesh

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 July 2026

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