Comprehensive updates on recent advances, fouling mechanisms, and future perspectives of nanofiltration

Nanofiltration (NF) has gained significant recognition for various industrial applications. However, NF faces challenges, such as membrane fouling, thermal stability, and flux/rejection trade-offs. Precise prediction techniques are vital for membrane system design and plant construction to improve membrane performance and operation longevity. This comprehensive review elaborates on the most recent advancements in NF research by compiling pertinent literature aimed at diverse applications. The paper reviews recent reports on transport mechanisms via the Donnan Steric Pore Model with dielectric exclusion (DSPM-DE) by the extended NernstPlanck equation. Next, recent approaches to NF membrane development, research challenges, and potential opportunities are also discussed. This article further investigates fouling in NF and provides an overview of recent advances in membrane fouling management. Finally, the review includes an economic analysis of the industrial NF process and provides future perspectives for research on NF membrane processes.