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Advancement in membrane spacer technology: emerging trend and modification of three-dimensional printed membrane spacers for fouling mitigation

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Aside from being essential for human needs, water resources are also in demand by various industries to ensure the sustainability of economic development in countries. However, the supply of clean and affordable water is slowly depleting to the point where it becomes a major issue that requires significant attention. The membrane filtration system is an effective method for purifying water, with a high potential to provide clean water with minimal energy. The membrane spacer is a significant component in the membrane filtration system that considerably influences its performance. The dominant challenge in membrane spacers is fouling, mainly biofouling, which leads to unwanted consequences that drastically decrease the system’s performance. This review focuses on the advancements in membrane spacer technology through the modification of geometric design, selection of materials, and evaluation of their impact on fluid dynamics and biofouling. Additionally, the review provides insight into the utilization of three-dimensional printing methods and three-dimensional simulations in advancing membrane spacer technology.
DOI: 10.1007/s11705-025-2606-6
Authors: Nili Mastura Munir, Ebrahim Mahmoudi, Siew Fen Chua, Nur Ameera Rosli, Alireza Nouri, Mohsen Mesbahi Babaei, Amir Mohammad Najafi, Hasan Nikkhah, Ng law Yong, Ang Wei Lun, Abdul Wahab Mohammad
Institutions: National University of Malaysia, Iran University of Science and Technology, Sharif University of Technology, University of Connecticut, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Sungai Long Campus, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, University of Sharjah
Language: English
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,490
OpenAlex ID: W4414099369
FWCI: 2.807
Cites: 165
Cited by: 11
Related to: 10