Potential large-scale applications of track-etched ultrafiltration polymer membranes

Track-etched membranes (TEMs) can be produced with precisely determined pore size, shape and distribution, but only find niche applications from industrial and biomedical separations processes to nanotemplating because their conventional production is too expensive for large-scale separation processes. We developed recently new technology for the cost-effective production of TEMs. The commercial viability of this new class of thin polymer membranes hinges on inexpensive production, suitable chemistries, scalable processing methods and efficacy demonstration in real separation environments. This paper outlines their potential large-scale applications: drinking water treatment, extractive industrial water processes and effluent treatment, industrial gas separation, domestic air filtration, and biochemical sensing. Modern membrane filtration technology utilising ultrafiltration TEMs is an attractive complete or partial solution to these areas, and could be used in preference to conventional separation methods