Despite polymeric membranes dominating the water ultrafiltration space for decades, new material challengers are still coming along. Ceramic membranes are finding particular niches as well as beginning to challenge polymerics in potable water applications, but could other materials be considered? Glass fibre membranes typically have good flow rates and selectivity but exhibit poor mechanical properties, which are essential for effective use in water treatment. Researchers at the Institute of Technology, Sligo and Trinity College Dublin in Ireland have proposed a glass fibre membrane adulterated with graphene and Teflon to offer a low-cost, high performance membrane. The solution comprises a porous substrate of glass fibre material coated or impregnated with a graphene filter material, which is bound to the substrate by polytetra-fluoroethylene particles.
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