Recent development in nanofiltration (NF) membranes and their diversified applications

Abstract

Nanofiltration membranes (NF) are a well-recognized membrane technology used for various applications. NF is not only used for the applications like wastewater treatment, water desalination, biotechnological and pharmaceutical but also used in food industries, dairy and vegetable oil processing industries, fruit juice, plant extracts, and beverage industries. The present review is a wide look at the current advances of NF membranes in plant extracts, food, and dairy industries along with the future potentials in the production of high-quality food and dairy products. In this review article, we discussed the effect of different physicochemical parameters on the performance of NF membrane in the form of flux, rejection, and product quality. Different fabrication methods along with modification of NF membranes in food industry applications are also discussed in this review. All the parameters are briefly assessed and strategically compared with relevant literature. The focus is also given to find out the solution of fouling issues that are drawbacks against NF competitory with particular reference to food processing industries. The review article ends with numerous commendations on the future prospective.