Emerging forward osmosis (FO) technologies and challenges ahead for clean water and clean energy applications

The purpose of this short review is to share our understanding and perspectives with the chemical, environmental, water and osmotic power communities on FO processes in order to conduct meaningful R & D and develop effective and sustainable FO technologies for clean water and clean energy.

► Current FO technology development for water and energy applications was evaluated.
► Limitations and critical challenges of current FO technologies were identified.
► Future research directions towards effective FO applications were discussed.