Cellulose membranes: Synthesis and applications for water and gas separation and purification

This review examines the synthesis, structure, and performance of cellulose-based membranes for water and gas separation, with particular attention to cellulose acetate as one of the most established membrane materials. It describes how cellulose, cellulose derivatives, and nanocellulose can be processed into membranes with tailored pore structures and separation properties.

The article covers membrane fabrication methods, separation mechanisms, and applications ranging from microfiltration and desalination to gas purification and carbon dioxide capture, while placing cellulose acetate within the broader landscape of sustainable membrane technologies.

The review highlights cellulose acetate as a versatile membrane material whose hydrophilicity, pore structure, and separation performance can be adjusted through its degree of acetylation and processing conditions. Cellulose acetate membranes have played a foundational role in reverse osmosis, forward osmosis, gas separation, and water treatment, offering a renewable alternative to many petroleum-based polymers. At the same time, challenges such as hydrolytic stability, biological degradation, and performance trade-offs between permeability and selectivity remain important areas for innovation. The findings underline the growing relevance of cellulose acetate and other cellulose-based membranes for sustainable water purification, resource recovery, and emissions reduction, while identifying opportunities for future research on membrane durability, scalability, and advanced composite designs.

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