Thermodynamics and kinetic analysis of membrane: Challenges and perspectives.

The ultimate structure of the membrane is determined using two important effects: (i) thermodynamic effect and (ii) kinetic effect. Controlling the mechanism of kinetic and thermodynamic processes in phase separation is essential for enhancing membrane performance. However, the relationship between system parameters and the ultimate membrane morphology is still largely empirical. This review focuses on the fundamental ideas behind thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) and nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) methods, including both kinetic and thermodynamic elements. The thermodynamic approach to understanding phase separation and the effect of different interaction parameters on membrane morphology has been discussed in detail. Furthermore, this review explores the capabilities and limitations of different macroscopic transport models used for the last four decades to explore the phase inversion process. The application of molecular simulations and phase field to understand phase separation has also been briefly examined. Finally, it discusses the thermodynamic approach to understanding phase separation and the consequence of different interaction parameters on membrane morphology, as well as possible directions for artificial intelligence to fill the gaps in the literature. This review aims to provide comprehensive knowledge and motivation for future modeling work for membrane fabrication via new techniques such as nonsolvent-TIPS, complex-TIPS, non-solvent assisted TIPS, combined NIPS-TIPS method, and mixed solvent phase separation.

Artificial intelligence and structural design of inorganic hollow fiber membranes: Materials chemistry.

A key challenge is to produce the uniform morphology and regular pore design of inorganic hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) due to involvement of multiple parameters including, fabrication process and materials chemistry. Inorganic HFMs required technical innovations via novel structural design and artificial intelligence (AI) to produce the uniform structure and regular pore design. Therefore, this review aims at critical analysis on the most recent and relevant approaches to tackle the issues related to tune the morphology and pore design of inorganic HFMs. Structural design and evaluation of routes towards the dope suspension, spinning, and sintering of inorganic HFMs are critically analysed. AI, driving forces and challenges involved for harnessing of materials are revealed in this review. AI programs used for the prediction of pore design and performance of HFMs have also been explained in this review. Overall, this review will provide the understanding to build the equilibrium in spinning and sintering processes to control the design of micro-channels, and structural properties of inorganic HFMs. This review has great significance to control the new design of membranes via AI programs. This review also explain the inorganic membrane efficiency as algal-bioreactor.