Advanced membrane technology for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances removal: Innovations in membrane materials and hybrid systems

This review critically examines contemporary advancements in membrane-based approaches for eliminating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from aqueous systems, emphasizing material innovations and combined treatment configurations. Advanced membrane designs, particularly nanostructured composites and mixed matrix membranes have been engineered to enhance PFAS selectivity and removal efficiency through precise control of pore size, tailored surface charges, and functionalization with nanomaterials such as metal-organic frameworks, graphene oxide, and MXenes. These innovations leverage a combination of size exclusion, electrostatic repulsion, and fluorophilic interactions to maintain high rejection efficiencies while reducing membrane fouling and permeability loss. In parallel, the coupling of membrane separation with complementary technologies, such as advanced oxidation processes, adsorption, and electrochemical degradation, has been demonstrated to improve overall PFAS removal performance. Hybrid systems capitalize on membrane-based preconcentration followed by secondary treatment phases, offering operational cost reductions and improved concentrate handling. Overall, the advances reviewed herein underscore the transformative potential of next-generation membrane strategies to achieve robust, cost-effective, and sustainable PFAS remediation in complex aqueous environments.