Prospects of practical application of hybrid membranes

Membrane technologies using novel types of ion-exchange membranes comprising nanoparticles of inorganic substances—hybrid materials—have been vigorously developed in recent years. This modification leads to significant changes in the system of pores and channels and in the transport properties of the membranes. Owing to the changes, these materials exhibit considerable advantages over conventional membranes. This brief review analyzes the prospects for the use of hybrid ion-exchange membranes in water treatment systems, electrolysis cells, electrochemical current-generation devices, and sensors and in catalysis and gas separation processes.