The increasing use of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), endocrine-disrupting
compounds (EDCs), and personal care products (PCPs) has led to the widespread presence
of organic micropollutants (OMPs) in aquatic environments, posing a significant global
challenge for environmental conservation. In recent years, advanced materials-based
nanofiltration (NF) technologies have emerged as a promising solution for water and
wastewater treatment. This review begins by examining the sources of OMPs, as well
as the risk of OMPs. Subsequently, the key criteria of NF membranes for OMPs are discussed,
with a focus on the roles of pore size, charge property, molecular interaction, and
hydrophilicity in the separation performance. Against that background, this review
summarizes and analyzes recent advancements in materials such as metal organic frameworks
(MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), graphene oxide (GO), MXenes, hybrid materials,
and environmentally friendly materials. It highlights the porous nature and structural
diversity of organic framework materials, the advantage of inorganic layered materials
in forming controllable nanochannels through stacking, the synergistic effects of
hybrid materials, and the importance of green materials. Finally, the challenges related
to the performance optimization, scalable fabrication, environmental sustainability,
and complex separation of advanced materials-based membranes for OMP removal are discussed,
along with future research directions and potential breakthroughs.
