Application of low-temperature plasma in the surface modification of membranes in wastewater treatment

Membranes processing have a great magnitude of importance in several technological fields, e.g. wastewater treatment. Fouling is the main problem in membrane filtration processes. Different methods such as surface modification of membranes are employed to diminish membrane fouling. Among several modification procedures, plasma surface treatment technology offers innovative solutions to adhesion problems and provides an economical solution for reducing fouling. The purpose of plasma surface treatment of polymer-based membranesis to increase surface wettability through electrical discharge and hence reducing fouling. Plasma can modify membranes in a variety of ways, from varying of pore diameter caused by polymer etching or deposition to the formation of functional groups on the membrane surface. Application of low temperature plasma for surface modification of membranes are summarized and compared for application in wastewater treatment.