Speaker
Descrizione
Membrane-based technologies are at the forefront of the global transition toward sustainable environmental remediation, resource recovery, and clean energy production. As explored in this communication, research activities conducted over the past three years have demonstrated the viability of replacing conventional, environmentally persistent fluoropolymers with eco-friendly mixed-matrix membranes [1]. By leveraging biopolymer blends and integrating sustainable nanofillers, such as halloysite nanotubes and functionalized biochar, highly tunable platforms have been developed for advanced membrane-based applications in water treatment, pollutant removal, selective separation, energy conversion, storage, and green technological processes [2,3]. However, to fully realize the impact of these materials, the focus must now shift from consolidated laboratory-scale achievements to the unresolved scientific and technological challenges that hinder real-world deployment. A critical knowledge gap remains in understanding the interfacial phenomena that govern long-term membrane stability under harsh operating conditions, including biofouling dynamics in complex wastewater matrices, chemical ageing, thermal stress, ion-transport limitations, and degradation mechanisms occurring in energy-related devices and environmental processes. Furthermore, transitioning from passive adsorption to active catalytic degradation, selective recovery, and responsive separation poses complex mechanistic challenges that require deeper investigation. Moving forward, future research trajectories will prioritize the design of reactive, catalytic, selective, and multifunctional membranes able to operate efficiently under realistic environmental and energy-related conditions. These systems may support pollutant degradation, water purification, resource recovery, CO2 capture, ion separation, energy harvesting, fuel cells, electrolyzers, batteries, and other emerging sustainable technologies. Parallel efforts will focus on overcoming the engineering bottlenecks associated with scaling up fabrication techniques, moving from laboratory-scale patches to pilot-ready modules and application-oriented prototypes. Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires a departure from isolated research lines in favor of a synergistic and multidisciplinary approach. Significant collaborative opportunities are foreseen within the broader CNR-ISMN community, particularly in integrating computational chemistry to model complex filler–matrix interactions, utilizing advanced in operando spectroscopy to dynamically monitor transport, adsorption, and degradation pathways, and applying materials engineering for the physical integration of these membranes into functional environmental and energy devices. Ultimately, these strategic directions align seamlessly with upcoming European funding frameworks focused on the circular economy, PFAS-free alternative materials, water resilience, resource efficiency, climate neutrality, and sustainable energy infrastructures. By tackling these open challenges collectively, the objective is to catalyze new joint project proposals, fostering an open and generative dialogue that will position the Institute as a leading hub for next-generation sustainable membrane materials for both environmental and energy applications.
References
[1] G. Rando, M.R. Plutino et al. ChemSusChem 17.10 (2024) e202301502
[2] G. Rando, M.R. Plutino et al. Sustainable Materials and Technologies 44 (2025) e01402
[3] G. Rando, M.R. Plutino et al., Energy Environ. Mater. (2026) e70321
Acknowledgment:
This work was supported by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) through the Post-PNRR research projects DD307 “REMICS” and “Quantas”, by the BRiC INAIL 2025 project “NanoCARE”, by “PRR.AP015.017 H2 - ADP ENEA/CNR POR l.a. 1.1.6” project and FOE2024 Future Raw Materials.
| Giovane Ricercatore (under 40) | Yes |
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