Table 3.

A summary of key elements of SiO₂ nanoparticle-based nanocomposite membranes.

Membrane Application	Modification Technique	Membrane Modification Enhancement	Reference
Polyethersulfone-mesoporous silica nanocomposite ultrafiltration membranes	Phase inversion casting method	Greater hydrophilicity, thermal stability, porosity, water uptake and antifouling properties.	[67]
Polysulfone/silica nanoparticle mixed-matrix membranes used for gas separation	Phase inversion method	Enhanced gas permeability of the PS (polysulfone) membrane	[68]
Ce-doped nonstoichiometric nanosilica/polysulfone composite membranes used in wastewater treatment	Phase inversion method	Greater tensile strength, antifouling property, and hydrophilicity.	[69]
Poly(vinylidene fluoride) composite membranes applied in the electro-driven separation processes	Phase inversion method	Higher conductivity, selectivity, and physical stability.	[70]
Organic/inorganic composite membranes	Solution casting method	Higher chemically stability and tensile strength. In addition, the membrane proton conductivity was also improved	[71]
PDMS nanocomposite membranes used for gas separation	Casting method	Greater permeability	[72]
PSf/SiO2 nanocomposite membrane applied in oil-in-water emulsion separation	Phase inversion method	Higher permeability and antifouling property.	[73]
Silica nanocomposite membranes	Phase inversion method	Increase in water diffusivity and fractional free-volume.	[74]
Nanocomposite membranes for gas separation	Phase inversion method	Higher diffusivity, gas permeability, solubility, and selectivity.	[75]
Nano silica/Nafion composite membrane applied in proton exchange membrane fuel cells	Phase inversion method	Higher proton conductivity.	[76]
Polymer Nanocomposite Electrolyte Membrane used for High Performance Lithium/Sulfur Batteries	Casting method	Higher electrochemical stability, and ionic conductivity.	[77]
PBI and PBI/ZIF-8 nanocomposite membranes	Phase inversion method	Improved solubility, degree of swelling, and selectivity	[78]
PVA/nano silica composite membranes	Phase inversion method	Higher hydrophilicity and flux.	[79]