Membrane surface nanopatterning: state of the art and perspectives in membrane applications involving light

AbstractWith the increasing search for sustainable and economically attractive technologies, surface patterning methods are getting broader range of industrial applications. In the scope of this research we discuss the role of surface patterning for the membrane performance and its improvement. We discuss the recent developments in the membrane surface patterning technologies as well and the influence of fabrication parameters on the outcome. This brings us new insight on the huge potential of surface patterning technologies. Finally, the experimental part is aimed to design and fabricate plasmonic nanostructures on the membrane surfaces, by using nanopatterning techniques. The plasmonic membranes with light trapping properties can be used as a solar thermal conversion cell in evaporation processes.<br /