Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Nanofiltration membranes types and application in water treatment: a review

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Sustainable Water Resources Management Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Global water shortages force the world to explore every possible way to reduce water consumption and reduction of exploitation of freshwater resources. In 2025, some estimates predict that 60% of the world's population will live in water-deficient regions. Nanofiltration (NF) membranes have been used in many fields, including water treatment, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. NF stands out for its ability to effectively eliminate impurities, sediments, chemical effluents, and even hazardous substances like arsenic. This makes it a versatile approach for enhancing water quality. Nanofiltration membranes are a cutting-edge type of membrane technology that can be classified into two categories: organic (polymeric) and inorganic. The selection of membranes with appropriate selectivity based on applications of interest are vital to achieving the highest separation efficiency. During the first section of this review, the discussion will follow the background of membrane-based filters with solutes separation from the solution in the range of molecular weight from 500 to 10,000 g/mol, their characteristics, the benefits, and drawbacks of nanofiltration, and their cost-effectiveness of them. In the next part, various types of NF membranes, and their excellent properties, including high permeation to monovalent ions and low permeation to divalent ions, as well as higher flux, reliability, and integrity with longer cycle times and thereby lower costs, are examined. This article aims to discuss some of the most significant and pioneering applications of nanotechnologies in different water sources, including surface water, groundwater, and industrial wastewater streams. Although nanofilters have shown great promise, there are still some outstanding challenges that hinder their widespread adoption. We also provide a comprehensive overview of challenges and opportunities related to using nanotechnology in the future. The next decade is predicted to bring a lot of progress in NF.

Graphical abstract

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

Availability of data and materials

Not applicable.

References

  • Abdel-Fatah MA (2018) Nanofiltration systems and applications in wastewater treatment. Ain Shams Eng J 9(4):3077–3092

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Abetz V, Brinkmann T, Dijkstra M, Ebert K, Fritsch D, Ohlrogge K, Paul D, Peinemann KV, Pereira-Nunes S, Scharnagl N, Schossig M (2006) Developments in membrane research: from material via process design to industrial application. Adv Eng Mater 8(5):328–358

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Adesina AA (2004) Industrial exploitation of photocatalysis: progress, perspectives and prospects. Catal Surv Asia 8(4):265–273

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmad AL, Ooi BS, Mohammad AW, Choudhury JP (2004) Development of a highly hydrophilic nanofiltration membrane for desalination and water treatment. Desalination 168:215–221

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • AlTaee A, Sharif AO (2011) Alternative design to dual stage NF seawater desalination using high rejection brackish water membranes. Desalination 273(2–3):391–397

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ayaz M, Muhammad A, Younas M, Khan AL, Rezakazemi M (2019) Enhanced water flux by fabrication of polysulfone/alumina nanocomposite membrane for copper (II) removal. Macromol Res 27(6):565–571

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baker RW (2012) Membrane technology and applications. Wiley, New York

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Bassyouni M, Abdel-Aziz MH, Zoromba MS, Abdel-Hamid SMS, Drioli E (2019) A review of polymeric nanocomposite membranes for water purification. J Ind Eng Chem 73:19–46

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bohdziewicz J, Bodzek M, Wąsik E (1999) The application of reverse osmosis and nanofiltration to the removal of nitrates from groundwater. Desalination 121(2):139–147

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boussu K, Belpaire A, Volodin A, Van Haesendonck C, Van der Meeren P, Vandecasteele C (2007) Van der Bruggen B Influence of membrane and colloid characteristics on fouling of nanofiltration membranes. J Membr Sci 289(1–2):220–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2006.12.001

  • Buch PR, Mohan DJ, Reddy AVR (2008) Preparation, characterization, and chlorine stability of aromatic–cycloaliphatic polyamide thin film composite membranes. J Membr Sci 309(1–2):36–44

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cabrera SM, Winnubst L, Richter H, Voigt I, Nijmeijer A (2021) Industrial application of ceramic nanofiltration membranes for water treatment in oil sands mines. Sep Purif Technol 256:117821

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Caso VM, Manzo V, Pecchillo Cimmino T, Conti V, Caso P, Esposito G, Russo V, Filippelli A, Ammendola R, Cattaneo F (2021) Regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress by formyl peptide receptors in cardiovascular disease progression. Life 11(3):243

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chakrabortty S, Roy M, Pal P (2013) Removal of fluoride from contaminated groundwater by cross flow nanofiltration: transport modeling and economic evaluation. Desalination 313:115–124

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chellam S, Serra CA, Wiesner MR (1998) Estimating costs for integrated membrane systems. J Am Water Works Assoc 90(11):96–104

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen X, Qiu M, Ding H, Fu K, Fan Y (2016) A reduced graphene oxide nanofiltration membrane intercalated by well-dispersed carbon nanotubes for drinking water purification. Nanoscale 8(10):5696–5705

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chou WL, Yu DG, Yang MC (2005) The preparation and characterization of silver-loading cellulose acetate hollow fiber membrane for water treatment. Polym Adv Technol 16(8):600–607

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ciarapica FE, Giacchetta G (2003) The treatment of produced water in offshore rig: comparison between traditional installations and innovative systems. In: 5th international membrane science & technology conference, University of New South Wales, Sydney, vol 10

  • Da X, Wen J, Lu Y, Qiu M, Fan Y (2015) An aqueous sol–gel process for the fabrication of high-flux YSZ nanofiltration membranes as applied to the nanofiltration of dye wastewater. Sep Purif Technol 152:37–45

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Da X, Chen X, Sun B, Wen J, Qiu M, Fan Y (2016) Preparation of zirconia nanofiltration membranes through an aqueous sol–gel process modified by glycerol for the treatment of wastewater with high salinity. J Membr Sci 504:29–39

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Daly S, Allen A, Koutsos V, Semião AJ (2020) Influence of organic fouling layer characteristics and osmotic backwashing conditions on cleaning efficiency of RO membranes. J Membr Sci 616:118604

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Donnan FG (1995) Theory of membrane equilibria and membrane potentials in the presence of non-dialysing electrolytes. A contribution to physical-chemical physiology. J Membr Sci 100(1):45–55

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eriksson P (1988) Nanofiltration extends the range of membrane filtration. Environ Prog 7(1):58–62

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Esmaeili A, Saremnia B (2018) Comparison study of adsorption and nanofiltration methods for removal of total petroleum hydrocarbons from oil-field wastewater. J Petrol Sci Eng 171:403–413

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Facciotti M, Boffa V, Magnacca G, Jørgensen LB, Kristensen PK, Farsi A, König K, Christensen ML, Yue Y (2014) Deposition of thin ultrafiltration membranes on commercial SiC microfiltration tubes. Ceram Int 40(2):3277–3285

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fang W, Shi L, Wang R (2013) Interfacially polymerized composite nanofiltration hollow fiber membranes for low-pressure water softening. J Membr Sci 430:129–139

  • Fang W, Shi L, Wang R (2014) Mixed polyamide-based composite nanofiltration hollow fiber membranes with improved low-pressure water softening capability. J membr sci 468:52–61

  • Fathizadeh M, Aroujalian A, Raisi A (2011) Effect of added NaX nano-zeolite into polyamide as a top thin layer of membrane on water flux and salt rejection in a reverse osmosis process. J Membr Sci 375(1–2):88–95

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Galanakis CM, Fountoulis G, Gekas V (2012) Nanofiltration of brackish groundwater by using a polypiperazine membrane. Desalination 286:277–284

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ghaffour N, Missimer TM, Amy GL (2013) Technical review and evaluation of the economics of water desalination: current and future challenges for better water supply sustainability. Desalination 309:197–207

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilron J, Gara N, Kedem O (2001) Experimental analysis of negative salt rejection in nanofiltration membranes. J Membr Sci 185(2):223–236

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guo H, Zhao S, Wu X, Qi H (2018) Fabrication and characterization of TiO2/ZrO2 ceramic membranes for nanofiltration. Microporous Mesoporous Mater 260:125–131

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hajilary N, Sefti MV, Koohi AD (2015a) Experimental study of water shutoff gel system field parameters in multi-zone unfractured gas-condensate reservoirs. J Nat Gas Sci Eng 27:926–933

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hajilary N, Sefti MV, Shahmohammadi A, Koohi AD, Mohajeri A (2015b) Development of a novel water shut-off test method: experimental study of polymer gel in porous media with radial flow. Can J Chem Eng 93(11):1957–1964

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hammond GP, Stapleton AJ (2001) Exergy analysis of the United Kingdom energy system. Proc Inst Mech Eng Part A J Power Energy 215(2):141–162

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harman BI, Koseoglu H, Yigit NO, Sayilgan E, Beyhan M, Kitis M (2010) The removal of disinfection by-product precursors from water with ceramic membranes. Water Sci Technol 62(3):547–555

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hilal N, Al-Zoubi H, Darwish NA, Mohamma AW, Arabi MA (2004a) A comprehensive review of nanofiltration membranes: treatment, pretreatment, modelling, and atomic force microscopy. Desalination 170(3):281–308

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hilal N, Kochkodan V, Al-Khatib L, Levadna T (2004b) Surface modified polymeric membranes to reduce (bio) fouling: a microbiological study using E. coli. Desalination 167:293–300

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holloway RW, Achilli A, Cath TY (2015) The osmotic membrane bioreactor: a critical review. Environ Sci Water Res Technol 1(5):581–605

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang H, Qu X, Ji X, Gao X, Zhang L, Chen H, Hou L (2013) Acid and multivalent ion resistance of thin film nanocomposite RO membranes loaded with silicalite-1 nanozeolites. J Mater Chem A 1(37):11343–11349

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kang Y, Jang J, Kim S, Lim J, Lee Y, Kim IS (2020) PIP/TMC interfacial polymerization with electrospray: novel loose nanofiltration membrane for dye wastewater treatment. ACS appl mat interfaces 12(32):36148–36158

  • Kim CK, Kim JH, Roh IJ, Kim JJ (2000) The changes of membrane performance with polyamide molecular structure in the reverse osmosis process. J Membr Sci 165(2):189–199

  • Kinsela AS, Jones AM, Collins RN, Waite TD (2012) The impacts of low-cost treatment options upon scale formation potential in remote communities reliant on hard groundwaters. A case study: Northern Territory. Australia. Sci total environ 416:22–31

  • Koyuncu I, Sengur R, Turken T, Guclu S, Pasaoglu ME (2015) Advances in water treatment by microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration. In: Advances in membrane technologies for water treatment. Woodhead Publishing, pp 83–128

  • Kramer FC, Shang R, Rietveld LC, Heijman SJG (2020) Fouling control in ceramic nanofiltration membranes during municipal sewage treatment. Sep Purif Technol 237:116373

  • Labban O, Liu C, Chong TH (2017) Fundamentals of low-pressure nanofiltration: membrane characterization, modeling, and understanding the multi-ionic interactions in water softening. J Membr Sci 521:18–32

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lau WJ, Ismail AF, Misdan N, Kassim MA (2012) A recent progress in thin film composite membrane: a review. Desalination 287:190–199

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li Q, Kang C, Zhang C (2005) Waste water produced from an oilfield and continuous treatment with an oil-degrading bacterium. Process Biochem 40(2):873–877

  • Li NN, Fane AG, Ho WW, Matsuura T (2011) Advanced membrane technology and applications. John Wiley & Sons

  • Li K, Liu Q, Fang F, Wu X, Xin J, Sun S, Wei Y, Ruan R, Chen P, Wang Y, Addy M (2020) Influence of nanofiltration concentrate recirculation on performance and economic feasibility of a pilot-scale membrane bioreactor-nanofiltration hybrid process for textile wastewater treatment with high water recovery. J Cleaner Prod 261:121067

  • Lu Y, Chen T, Chen X, Qiu M, Fan Y (2016) Fabrication of TiO2-doped ZrO2 nanofiltration membranes by using a modified colloidal sol-gel process and its application in simulative radioactive effluent. J membr sci 514:476–486

  • Lee H, Amy G, Cho J, Yoon Y, Moon SH, Kim IS (2001) Cleaning strategies for flux recovery of an ultrafiltration membrane fouled by natural organic matter. Water Res 35(14):3301–3308

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martínez-Huitle CA, Brillas E (2008) Electrochemical alternatives for drinking water disinfection. Angew Chem Int Ed 47(11):1998–2005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mohammad AW, Teow YH, Ang WL, Chung YT, Oatley-Radcliffe DL, Hilal N (2015) Nanofiltration membranes review: recent advances and prospects. Desalination 356:226–254

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mohammadi T, Maghsoodloorad H (2013) Synthesis and characterization of ceramic membranes (W-type zeolite membranes). Int J Appl Ceram Technol 10(2):365–375

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mondal S, Wickramasinghe SR (2008) Produced water treatment by nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes. J Membr Sci 322(1):162–170

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morgan PW (1965) Condensation polymers: by interfacial and solution methods, vol 10. Interscience Publishers, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Moslehyani A, Ismail AF, Matsuura T, Rahman MA, Goh PS (2019) Recent progresses of ultrafiltration (UF) membranes and processes in water treatment. In: Membrane separation principles and applications, pp 85–110

  • Pal P, Chakrabortty S, Linnanen L (2014) A nanofiltration–coagulation integrated system for separation and stabilization of arsenic from groundwater. Sci Total Environ 476:601–610

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pendergast MM, Hoek EM (2011) A review of water treatment membrane nanotechnologies. Energy Environ Sci 4(6):1946–1971

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Radjenović J, Petrović M, Ventura F, Barceló D (2008) Rejection of pharmaceuticals in nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membrane drinking water treatment. Water Res 42(14):3601–3610

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rahimpour A, Madaeni SS, Taheri AH, Mansourpanah Y (2008) Coupling TiO2 nanoparticles with UV irradiation for modification of polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membranes. J Membr Sci 313(1–2):158–169

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rozaini MNH, Semail NF, Saad B, Kamaruzaman S, Abdullah WN, Rahim NA, Miskam M, Loh SH, Yahaya N (2019) Molecularly imprinted silica gel incorporated with agarose polymer matrix as mixed matrix membrane for separation and preconcentration of sulfonamide antibiotics in water samples. Talanta 199:522–531

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saitúa H, Giannini F, Padilla AP (2012) Drinking water obtaining by nanofiltration from waters contaminated with glyphosate formulations: process evaluation utilizing toxicity tests and studies on operating parameters. J Hazard Mater 227:204–210

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sajitha CJ, Mahendran R, Mohan D (2002) Studies on cellulose acetate–carboxylated polysulfone blend ultrafiltration membranes––part I. Eur Polym J 38(12):2507–2511

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sanches S, Penetra A, Rodrigues A, Ferreira E, Cardoso VV, Benoliel MJ, Crespo MTB, Pereira VJ, Crespo JG (2012) Nanofiltration of hormones and pesticides in different real drinking water sources. Sep Purif Technol 94:44–53

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Savage N, Diallo MS (2005) Nanomaterials and water purification: opportunities and challenges. J Nanopart Res 7(4):331–342

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schaep J, Van der Bruggen B, Uytterhoeven S, Croux R, Vandecasteele C, Wilms D, Van Houtte E, Vanlerberghe F (1998) Removal of hardness from groundwater by nanofiltration. Desalination 119(1–3):295–301

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shams Ashaghi K, Ebrahimi M, Czermak PJOES (2007) Ceramic ultra-and nanofiltration membranes for oilfield produced water treatment: a mini review. Open Environ Sci 1(1)

  • Simcik M, Ruzicka MC, Karaszova M, Sedlakova Z, Vejrazka J, Vesely M, Capek P, Friess K, Izak P (2016) Polyamide thin-film composite membranes for potential raw biogas purification: Experiments and modeling. Sep Purif Technol 167:163–173

  • Sinha A, Biswas P, Sarkar S, Bora U, Purkait MK (2020) Separation of chloride and sulphate ions from nanofiltration rejected wastewater of steel industry. J Water Process Eng 33:101108

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sombekke HDM, Voorhoeve DK (1997) Environmental impact assessment of groundwater treatment with nanofiltration, 0011-9164

  • Teow YH, Mohammad AW (2019) New generation nanomaterials for water desalination: a review. Desalination 451:2–17

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tul Muntha S, Kausar A, Siddiq M (2017) Advances in polymeric nanofiltration membrane: a review. Polym Plast Technol Eng 56(8):841–856

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • UNICEF (2020) Water scarcity [WWW Document]. https://www.unicef.org/wash/water-scarcity. Accessed 1 Apr 22

  • Van der Bruggen B (2009) Chemical modification of polyethersulfone nanofiltration membranes: a review. J Appl Polym Sci 114(1):630–642

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van der Bruggen B, Vandecasteele C, Van Gestel T, Doyen W, Leysen R (2003) A review of pressure-driven membrane processes in wastewater treatment and drinking water production. Environ Prog 22(1):46–56

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vasanth D, Prasad AD (2019) Ceramic membrane: synthesis and application for wastewater treatment—a review. Water Resour Environ Eng II:101–106

    Google Scholar 

  • Veil JA (2002) Drilling waste management: past, present, and future. In: SPE annual technical conference and exhibition. OnePetro

  • Wang L, Wang N, Zhang G, Ji S (2013) Covalent crosslinked assembly of tubular ceramic-based multilayer nanofiltration membranes for dye desalination. AIChE J 59(10):3834–3842

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang Z, Wei YM, Xu ZL, Cao Y, Dong ZQ, Shi XL (2016) Preparation, characterization and solvent resistance of γ-Al2O3/α-Al2O3 inorganic hollow fiber nanofiltration membrane. J Membr Sci 503:69–80

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang J, Yu W, Graham NJ, Jiang L (2020) Evaluation of a novel polyamide-polyethylenimine nanofiltration membrane for wastewater treatment: removal of Cu2+ ions. Chem Eng J 392:123769

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weber R, Chmiel H, Mavrov V (2003) Characteristics and application of new ceramic nanofiltration membranes. Desalination 157(1–3):113–125

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu X, Tan H, Wang Z, Wang C, Pan L, Kaneti YV, Yang T, Yamauchi Y (2019) Extraordinary capacitive deionization performance of highly-ordered mesoporous carbon nano-polyhedra for brackish water desalination. Environmental Science: Nano 6(3):981–989

  • Yang Z, Zhou Y, Feng Z, Rui X, Zhang T, Zhang Z (2019) A review on reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes for water purification. Polymers 11(8):1252

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yaroshchuk AE (2001) Non-steric mechanisms of nanofiltration: superposition of Donnan and dielectric exclusion. Sep Purif Technol 22:143–158

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ye W, Liu R, Chen X, Chen Q, Lin J, Lin X, Van der Bruggen B, Zhao S (2020) Loose nanofiltration-based electrodialysis for highly efficient textile wastewater treatment. J Membr Sci 608:118182

  • Yuliwati E, Ismail AF (2011) Effect of additives concentration on the surface properties and performance of PVDF ultrafiltration membranes for refinery produced wastewater treatment. Desalination 273(1):226–234

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang W, He G, Gao P, Chen G (2003) Development and characterization of composite nanofiltration membranes and their application in concentration of antibiotics. Sep purif technol 30(1):27–35

  • Zhang H, He Q, Luo J, Wan Y, Darling SB (2020) Sharpening nanofiltration: strategies for enhanced membrane selectivity. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 12(36):39948–39966

  • Zhao D, Su C, Liu G, Zhu Y, Gu Z (2019) Performance and autopsy of nanofiltration membranes at an oil-field wastewater desalination plant. Environ Sci Pollut Res 26:2681–2690

  • Zhong Y, Mahmud S, He Z, Yang Y, Zhang Z, Guo F, Chen Z, Xiong Z, Zhao Y (2020) Graphene oxide modified membrane for highly efficient wastewater treatment by dynamic combination of nanofiltration and catalysis. J Hazard Mat 397:122774

  • Zhu H, Yuan J, Zhao J, Liu G, Jin W (2019) Enhanced CO2/N2 separation performance by using dopamine/polyethyleneimine-grafted TiO2 nanoparticles filled PEBA mixed-matrix membranes. Sep Purif Technol 214:78–86

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

This study was supported by Golestan University.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Process Engineering Department, Amirkabir University, Tehran, Iran

    Nooshin Maroufi

  2. Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Golestan University, Aliabad Katol, Iran

    Nasibeh Hajilary

Authors
  1. Nooshin Maroufi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Nasibeh Hajilary
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

NM and NH were major contributors to writing the manuscript. All the authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nasibeh Hajilary.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

On behalf of all the authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

Not applicable.

Consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent to publish

Not applicable.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Maroufi, N., Hajilary, N. Nanofiltration membranes types and application in water treatment: a review. Sustain. Water Resour. Manag. 9, 142 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40899-023-00899-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40899-023-00899-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation