Green Solvents In Membrane Preparation For A More Sustainable Future

Membrane processes have emerged during the last decades as a valid and efficient technology for the abatement of many environmental problems. High efficiency, low energy requirement and environmental sustainability are among the major benefits displayed by membranes. However, in the logic of a complete sustainability, polymeric membranes should not require the use of toxic and harmful solvents, such as NMP, DMF and DMAc, normally employed during their preparation [1]. Replacing a traditional solvent with a green alternative is not an easy task since the solvent play a crucial role in membrane formation influencing its morphology and properties. In this work, two case studies are reported where two green solvents (CyreneTM and ethyl lactate) were used for the preparation of polymeric membranes by phase inversion technique.