Next-Generation Functionalized Membranes for the Removal of Emerging Pollutants in Water Reuse Applications

Emerging pollutants—including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and industrial chemicals—present a new and pressing challenge for water reuse processes. Traditional water treatment processes frequently face challenges in addressing these emerging pollutants, prompting intense research into novel membrane-based solutions. Functionalized membranes, tailored through advanced materials science and surface modifications, are rapidly gaining prominence for their enhanced selectivity, antifouling properties, and ability to specifically target these low-concentration micropollutants. Modern trends in the field are also embracing digital transformation, with artificial intelligence (AI) and automation enabling new degrees of optimization, quality assurance, and operational efficiency.

This Research Topic aims to highlight the latest advancements in the development, characterization, and application of next-generation functionalized membranes for the mitigation of emerging pollutants in water reuse. Special emphasis will be placed on interdisciplinary innovations that combine material advances with smart system integration, including the role of AI-driven monitoring, process control, and predictive maintenance. By fostering collaboration among researchers, technologists, and industry practitioners, this collection seeks to accelerate both the scientific understanding and practical adoption of these cutting-edge membrane technologies.

We welcome original research, reviews, and perspectives on:

- Design and synthesis of functionalized membranes (including bioinspired, nanocomposite, and stimuli-responsive materials)
- Mechanisms of micropollutant rejection, fouling resistance, and long-term stability
- Integration of membrane systems with real-time sensors, IoT, and AI for adaptive control and reduced operational costs
- Pilot or real-world case studies in wastewater treatment and water reuse, especially those leveraging automation and data-driven optimization
- Sustainability assessments, lifecycle analysis, and circular economy approaches

Submissions are encouraged to connect fundamental scientific advances with real-world applications, supporting global efforts such as SDGs 6 (clean water), 9 (industry innovation), and 12 (responsible consumption). Articles integrating AI and automation—demonstrating pathways to streamlined operation and reduced labor overhead—are highly encouraged.

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: emerging pollutants, functionalized membranes, water reuse, wastewater treatment, membrane separation

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.