NEXT -GENERATION COMPOSITE MEMBRANES FOR SUSTAINABLE WASTEWATER RECLAMATION; A FUSION OF FUNCTIONALITY AND EFFICIENCY

Abstract

The escalating global demand for sustainable water resources necessitates the development of advanced technologies for wastewater reclamation. Conventional polymeric membranes, although widely implemented, remain constrained by fouling susceptibility, insufficient selectivity, and elevated operational costs. In this study, we report the design and fabrication of next-generation composite membranes that integrate nanostructured fillers and surface-functionalized layers to achieve a synergistic balance of efficiency and multifunctionality. The resulting membranes exhibit a water flux enhancement of approximately 45% compared to commercial counterparts, with pollutant rejection efficiencies exceeding 98% for organic dyes and heavy metals. Furthermore, antifouling assessments indicate a 60% reduction in irreversible fouling resistance, thereby lowering cleaning frequency and associated energy demands. These improvements collectively highlight the potential of composite systems to minimize lifecycle costs while promoting circular water management practices. The findings underscore the transformative role of multifunctional composite membranes in enabling sustainable wastewater reclamation and advancing global water security initiatives.