Performance of Silicon Carbide Nanomaterials in Separation Process

Silicon carbide (SiC) nanomaterials are being used in a large range of fields because of their excellent mechanical strength, high thermal resistance and conductivity, high chemical stability and being semiconductors. In the present review, we evaluate SiC nanomaterials as membranes and adsorbents to separate different species. In addition, applications of SiC nanomaterials as membranes or in a membrane structure are described. In this regard, experimental studies which used porous SiC in membrane structure confirmed that SiC can enhance the performance of any membrane because of its large surface area, anti-fouling nature, high porosity, and high-water permeability. Next, molecular dynamics simulation studies examined the ability of SiC nanosheets and SiCNTs in water desalination, gas and dissolved molecule separations. Ultimately, based on the reviewed articles and their findings, areas requiring further attention by researchers are proposed.