Zwitterionic SBMA-based nanofiltration membranes: Synthesis techniques, antifouling mechanisms, and future perspectives
Zhengis A. Yergesheva A. Amrenova Y. Abutalip M. Nuraje N.
27 October 2025Elsevier Ltd
Polymer
2025#337
Membrane separation technologies face persistent challenges in balancing high water permeability, effective solute rejection, and resistance to fouling. Against the backdrop of escalating global water scarcity, nanofiltration (NF) has become a robust and sustainable solution for water purification. In this context, sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA), a zwitterionic polymer distinguished by simultaneous cationic and anionic functional groups, has attracted substantial attention owing to its exceptional hydrophilicity and electroneutrality. These attributes promote the formation of dense hydration layers and introduce steric repulsion effects, thereby significantly mitigating the membrane fouling. This review provides a systematic overview of fouling phenomena and classifies them into four principal categories: organic, inorganic (scaling), colloidal, and biofouling-based on their distinctive mechanisms of interaction with membrane surfaces. A comprehensive examination of the chemistry, morphology, and integration strategies of SBMA is presented, detailing the surface coating, surface grafting, and physical blending approaches for both polymeric and thin-film composite membranes. Numerous examples underscore the transformative impact of zwitterionic functionalization on separation performance, with marked improvements in antifouling behavior, flux recovery, and solute rejection. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges and potential opportunities for optimizing zwitterionic membrane systems to satisfy the urgent demands of global water treatment. By illuminating key structure-property- performance relationships and highlighting innovative material engineering pathways, this review aims to guide the next generation of SBMA-based membranes toward greater durability, efficiency, and sustainability in water and wastewater treatment applications.
Membrane fouling , Nanofiltration , Sulfobetaine methacrylate , Zwitterionic polymer
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Renewable Energy Lab, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Satbayev University, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Renewable Energy Lab
Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology
Satbayev University
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering
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