Recent advances in bioceramic-based nanocomposites for membrane and adsorption separation processes: A review

Bioceramic material, especially calcium hydroxyapatite (HAP), has a unique inorganic composition and numerous properties, including low cost, high surface functionality, and nontoxicity. Therefore, the HAP material is receiving enormous attention in the field of membrane technology and adsorption processes. The emergence of bioceramic membrane technology as a forward-looking tool can revolutionize the entire adsorptive membrane process. Due to its chemical functional groups, high thermal and chemical stability, and high adsorption properties, hydroxyapatite (HAP) has received much attention in the preparation of promising novel adsorptive materials. Therefore, this review summarizes the role of bioceramics HAP in (i) ceramic and polymeric membranes with an insight into different types of HAP-based materials, membrane fabrication methods, types of support materials (ceramic and polymeric), membrane surface properties, pollutant removal mechanisms, antifouling properties, and photocatalytic activity, and (ii) adsorption technology with an insight into various composite materials, an affinity for targeted pollutants, adsorption mechanisms, and influencing factors. In addition, this review describes potential advantages and disadvantages and opportunities to address challenges in this area.