Advanced membrane modifications for reverse osmosis fouling mitigation: mechanistic insights and practical applications

초록

Global freshwater scarcity has made reverse osmosis (RO) a core technology for seawater desalination and wastewater reclamation. However, membrane fouling and the inherent permeability-selectivity trade-off severely limit its operational efficiency and lifespan. This review systematically summarizes recent research progress on RO membrane fouling behavior, key influencing factors, and advanced mitigation strategies. It critically evaluates membrane modification technologies that break through traditional performance bottlenecks, including optimization of membrane substrate structure, surface modification of the selective layer, strategies for additive-regulated interfacial polymerization, and novel interlayer design. Although multi-strategy synergy and the introduction of novel materials can significantly enhance water flux, salt rejection, and fouling resistance, thereby overcoming the conventional trade-off, these approaches face substantial challenges in terms of uniformity of large-scale membrane fabrication, long-term stability under continuous operation and chemical cleaning, and economic viability. This review not only elucidates the mechanisms of RO fouling and reveals the trade-off in membrane modification but also identifies the directions for the development and application of next-generation antifouling RO membranes.

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