New trends in Membrane Preparation and Applications

Over the last decades, we have witnessed a continuous increasing interest in the production and utilization of polymeric membranes in a wide variety of applications. The possibility of producing membrane with different tailored structures and properties allows their use in the most disparate processes. Therefore, membranes can be prepared using a broad spectrum of techniques, depending on both the membrane material adopted and the final application. Based on the preparation techniques and conditions selected, in fact, it is possible to vary the membrane morphology and properties. Today, membranes represent a very well-established technology in desalination (e.g., reverse Osmosis), biomedical applications (e.g., hemodialysis) and wastewater treatment (e.g., membrane bio-reactor), recovery of added value products by fractionation and concentrations applications (e.g., pressure-driven membrane processes), and in gas and vapor separation (e.g., gas membranes or membrane contactors). In this Special Issue, researchers are invited to contribute original research papers, as well as review articles, related to the preparation, characterization, and application of polymeric, mixed matrix, and inorganic membranes, in both flat and hollow-fiber configuration. We are particularly interested in articles focusing on innovative aspects in the preparation and application of membranes with tailored and unique features. Potential topics include, but are not limited to: Advanced membrane preparation techniques; Membrane functionalization and application; Sustainability in membrane preparation; Study of the effect of operating conditions and process parameters on membrane morphology and performance; Application of high performing membranes in selected membrane processes.