Membrane Distillation and Other Membrane-Related Applications for Water Cleaning and Desalination

The following Reprint presents a comprehensive overview of the rapid progress in membrane distillation and advanced water purification technologies over the past decade. Originally developed for seawater desalination, membrane distillation has evolved into a versatile technology for treating complex industrial wastewaters and supporting zero liquid discharge strategies. The included contributions address long-standing challenges that historically limited the technology, including the lack of membranes specifically designed for distillation, membrane wetting, and the need for improved understanding and modeling of coupled heat and mass transfer. The studies featured in this Reprint highlight multidisciplinary advances in materials science, process engineering, and system design. Several contributions focus on the development of advanced membrane materials and surface modification strategies aimed at improving hydrophobicity, permeability, and resistance to fouling and wetting. Other works explore improved module configurations and operational strategies to enhance process stability and efficiency. By integrating experimental studies, modeling efforts, and application-oriented research, this Reprint offers an updated perspective on current challenges and emerging opportunities in membrane distillation, supporting its continued development toward practical and large-scale water treatment solutions.