Abstract
In the recent decade, membrane technology has gained immense interest in water purification, wastewater treatment, and water desalination. However, the major drawback which destroys the efficiency of membrane technology is fouling. Membrane fouling arises due to the non-specific interaction between fouling species and membrane surface. This major drawback can be overcome by preparation of antifouling membranes. Although there are various techniques involved in water filtration i.e. microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration. However, in this book chapter, we shall emphasize antifouling nanofiltration membranes, recent developments and future prospects. Further, we shall discuss the various fouling types, its consequences, mechanisms affecting fouling, challenges, and modification approaches in the antifouling membrane technology.
Keywords: Antifouling, Membrane fouling, Membrane technology, Nanofiltration, Water treatment