Advancing Ceramic and Zeolite Membranes: From Material Design to Sustainable Water Solutions

The global demand for efficient and sustainable water purification is driving rapid innovation in membrane science. Emerging ceramic and zeolite membranes represent a particularly promising frontier, offering an exceptional combination of structural integrity, chemical stability, and precise selectivity for challenging separations. Fully realizing their potential, however, requires a holistic approach that unites novel synthesis, advanced characterization, and a fundamental understanding of underlying transport and fouling mechanisms.

This Research Topic invites original research, comprehensive reviews, and forward-looking perspectives that illuminate the path from laboratory design to practical deployment of ceramic and zeolite membranes. Contributions that bridge synthesis strategies with state-of-the-art characterization—employing cutting-edge analytical, imaging, and spectroscopic tools—are particularly encouraged. Studies providing molecular- or pore-scale mechanistic insights into separation performance, fouling resistance, and long-term stability in complex aqueous environments are of high interest.

Key Areas of Interest:

1. Innovative Materials Design and Synthesis
- Novel fabrication routes for ceramic and zeolite membranes (e.g., additive manufacturing, novel precursors).
- Advanced modification and functionalization strategies to enhance selectivity or anti-fouling properties.
- Design of hybrid or composite membrane structures.

2. Advanced Characterization and Fundamental Mechanisms
- Multi-scale structural, chemical, and interfacial characterization using advanced techniques (e.g., in-situ/operando methods, high-resolution microscopy, spectroscopic analysis).
- Elucidation of mechanisms of molecular and ion transport, selectivity, and fouling.
- Integration of theoretical modeling and computational insights to link material properties with separation performance.

3. Application-Oriented Performance and System Integration
- Performance evaluation in targeted applications: desalination, wastewater reuse, industrial effluent treatment, and resource recovery.
- Removal of specific contaminants, including heavy metals, nutrients, and emerging micropollutants (e.g., PFAS, pharmaceuticals).
- Integration of membranes into hybrid purification systems and scale-up studies.
- Comparative assessments of performance, operational longevity, energy efficiency, and lifecycle sustainability.

Alignment with Global Goals: This Research Topic directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). By showcasing interdisciplinary research that connects fundamental materials science with real-world environmental challenges, it aims to accelerate the development of sustainable solutions for global water security.

Researchers across disciplines are invited to contribute. Through the integration of innovative design, mechanistic understanding, and application-driven validation, this Research Topic seeks to chart the future of advanced membranes for a more sustainable world.

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: ceramic membranes, zeolite membranes, water purification, membrane synthesis, separation mechanisms

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.