PTFE porous membrane technology: A comprehensive review

Membrane technology, as one of the key standard technologies for green chemistry and sustainable development, has been applied for a wide range of separation and purification processes. Poly (tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), known as a combination of excellent properties, have been widely employed in a vast number of membrane process fields for the last several decades, typically in liquid/air separation, biomedicine, and new energy applications et al. This review first provides an introduction to PTFE material, including the polymerization process, structure and properties, processing, recycling and applications. Subsequently, particular emphasis is given to recent progress in the preparation method and technology of PTFE porous membranes. Moreover, the strategies to control membrane pore structure, and the functionalization of PTFE porous membranes are assorted and illustrated in detail. The essential problems connected to the practical applications of PTFE porous membranes are then highlighted. A brief conclusion and perspective of PTFE porous membranes in future research are summarized and prospected in the end. It is hoped that the systematic description of this review will acquaint the readership with a fundamental understanding of PTFE materials, enabling them to choose an appropriate PTFE membrane production technology for a variety of real-world applications. Future PTFE-based membrane technology development may benefit from the knowledge provided by this review.