Covalent organic framework-based lamellar membranes for water desalination applications

Abstract

Covalent Organic Framework (COF)-based two-dimensional materials have great potential to be utilized as separation membranes with high permeability and rejection while mitigating the permeability–selectivity trade-off due to their single layer thickness and large specific surface area. This review summarizes the current preparation methods of COF-based membranes, and discusses modification strategies for their physicochemical properties. It also provides an overview of their applications in desalination of seawater, brackish water, and industrial wastewater. Then, we highlight the current engineering hurdles and suggest suitable solutions. Finally, the review focuses on the future research direction to improve the separation performance of existing COF-based membranes.