Recent Progress in Polyamide Membranes: Strategies for Enhancing Ion‐Sieving Performance

Abstract Polyamide thin‐film composite (PA‐TFC) membranes with efficient ion‐sieving capabilities hold substantial promise for a variety of practical applications, including the extraction of lithium from brines, recovery of precious metals from ores, and desalination of seawater. They receive increasing scientific attention. Over the past decades, significant progress has been made in enhancing ion‐sieving performance. This review summarizes the latest research conducted over the past five years, focusing on strategies aimed at boosting the ion‐sieving performance of PA‐TFC membranes. The review begins by elucidating the fundamental mechanisms that govern ion sieving. It then proceeds with a systematic dissection of the PA‐TFC membranes into three structural components: the surface layer, the selective layer, and the substrate. For each category, an overview is provided of the governing strategies that have been applied to optimize the membranes’ ion‐sieving performance. The goal of this review is to serve as a valuable resource for researchers seeking to develop PA‐TFC membranes with superior ion‐sieving properties, thereby advancing their utility in critical industrial processes.