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Surface-patterned membranes are becoming increasingly attractive for reducing fouling in membrane processes for water treatment. In this review article, literature on simulations of physically surface-patterned membranes is reviewed, with emphasis on the various factors affecting their anti-fouling performance. Associated computational techniques, including computational fluid dynamics and Brownian dynamics, are discussed. Key parameters discussed in the literature include the dimensions of the membrane (height, width), the velocity and direction of the fluid flow, the size of the particles, and the pattern size (height, width, and pitch). The key observables are the shear stress and velocity streamlines at various points, especially the pattern apex and valley regions, with an un-patterned membrane as a point of comparison in studies. The review concludes that the pattern dimensions have the most significant influence on the anti-fouling performance. Also, the effect of particle size to membrane pattern ratio on the extent of particle deposition on the membrane (fouling activity) can be explained by understanding the shear stress distribution around the membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is constantly challenged regarding managing environmental and ecological contamination due to human and industrial activities. This is because of the constant threat posed by pollution. Nowadays, membrane‐based technology is a growing field, making practically all the separation of foulant from wastewater possible. The membrane fouling resulting from the interaction between the foulant and the membrane surface presents a challenge for the technology in maintaining performance over extended periods of operation. As a result, there is a rising interest in research focusing mainly on creating patterned membrane surfaces that reduce fouling and effectively enhance the surface area. This article comprehensively overviews the most recent and cutting‐edge techniques that can be applied to modify and construct high‐performance patterned membranes suitable for ultrafiltration, microfiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis (UF, MF, NF, and RO) water purification processes. In this study, recent developments in membrane material are dissected, focusing on methods for improving surface chemistry, structure, and hydrodynamics, as well as the consequences of these characteristics on filtering performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]