membrane process

Membrane processes are a category of separation techniques that utilize semipermeable membranes to separate substances based on their ability to pass through the membrane. These methods are crucial in various chemical and biological applications for purification and concentration.1

Key membrane processes include:
* Membrane filtration: Simple migration of molecules across a membrane driven by concentration differences.1
* Ultrafiltration: Accelerated diffusion through a membrane using a pressure difference.1
* Electrodialysis: Migration driven by an electrical field.1
* Reverse osmosis: Applying pressure exceeding osmotic pressure to force solvent through a membrane against its concentration gradient, used for desalination and purification.1
* Dialysis: Removing dissolved salts from solutions, often used in biochemistry.1

Cell membranes, essential for all living cells, also function as selective barriers, controlling the passage of substances in and out of the cell.23