Selective Separation of Metals Using Advanced Membrane Processes

In the realm of environmental sustainability and resource conservation, the efficient and selective separation of metals via membrane processes has emerged as a pivotal area of focus. As industries such as mining, metallurgy, and wastewater treatment increasingly seek sustainable solutions, the implementation of technologies for selective metal recovery has become critical. Membrane technologies, particularly Nanofiltration (NF) and Ultrafiltration (UF), along with Ion-Exchange and innovative Polymeric and Ceramic Membranes, offer distinct advantages in terms of selectivity, efficiency, and environmental impact. Despite their benefits, several challenges such as scalability and cost-efficiency remain, alongside ongoing research aimed at optimizing membrane durability and reducing fouling.

This Research Topic aims to broaden the scientific and practical understanding of membrane processes tailored for selective metal separation. It is intended to drive forward the innovation staircase in membrane technology by gathering cutting-edge research that explores new materials, process integrations, and system designs that enhance metal selectivity and sustainability. Collaborative submissions from researchers and industry professionals that contribute to advancing membrane technology in real-world applications are particularly encouraged.

To gather further insights in the current state and future potential of membrane technology for metal separation, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Development and optimization of membranes for specific metal ion selectivity.
- Novel applications in critical metal recovery and waste treatment.
- Industrial applications of metal separation via membranes.
- Research on membrane fouling, scalability, stability, and energy requirements.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Keywords: Metals, membranes, membrane selectivity, water recovery, membrane filtration

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.