Polyacrylonitrile in the Preparation of Separation Membranes: A Review

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is a hydrophilic polymer with good chemical resistance, low price, and excellent processability for fabricating membranes, especially for electrospun nanofiber-based membranes. In this review, the recent developments in the application and modification of PAN membranes are discussed, focusing on some applications such as pervaporation (PV), ion exchange, hemodialysis, membrane distillation, adsorption membrane, and water and wastewater treatment. First, the physicochemical characteristics and the synthesis techniques of the PAN are discussed, and next, the PAN application in the fabrication of membrane is reviewed. Different PAN membranes with their fabrication techniques are reviewed with detailed studies focused on the modification methods. By using different modifiers especially nanomaterial blending, the physicochemical properties and performance (membrane structure, permeability, mechanical strength, hydrophilicity, porosity, and surface charge) of the PAN membranes are improved. Finally, the challenges and future perspective of these membranes are discussed. The review of research progress in this paper may provide an insight into the development of high-performance PAN membranes and spread the applications of PAN membranes in different separation processes in the future.