Modifications on Polymeric Membranes for Isopropanol Dehydration Using Pervaporation: A Review

Abstract

Isopropanol (IPA) is a product of indirect hydrogenation, which is known as the fermentation of cellulosic material. IPA is widely used in modern semiconductor and microelectronic industries as a solvent and cleaning substance which generates isopropanol waste in the processes. Not only IPA waste is harmful to landfill but also requires a high management and treatment cost. Therefore, recycling IPA is extremely important from both economic and environmental perspectives. Separating IPA using pervaporation (PV) is known for its simplicity, low cost, easy handling and effectiveness. However, the limitations of common PV membranes such as swelling and weak mechanical strength have urged researchers to overcome the issue by using various polymeric materials and modification techniques. The alterations are commonly applied during membrane preparation, modifications on the membrane surface, and even post-modifications. This chapter reviews the development of modified PV membranes specifically to treat the IPA in the previous years and give a future trend in modification techniques.