Future Perspectives and Challenges provides a comprehensive outlook on the trajectory of carbon-based membrane technologies (CMTs), positioning them as next-generation solutions essential for high-efficiency gas and liquid separations. The chapter begins by establishing the critical need for advanced separation materials to address global challenges in CO2 mitigation, sustainable energy production, and water purification. The discussion highlights major scientific breakthroughs, including the rational molecular design of polymeric precursors (e.g., PIMs and precursors with thermally reactive groups) to precisely control the sub-nanometer pores in Carbon Molecular Sieve Membranes (CMSMs). A key focus is placed on Hybrid and Composite Material Integration, particularly the development of Mixed-Matrix Membranes (MMMs) utilizing structured nanofillers like MOFs and Graphene Oxide, which exploit synergistic effects to push membrane performance beyond established polymeric limits. Furthermore, the chapter explores the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Modeling, demonstrating how Molecular Dynamics and Machine Learning are used for predictive, high-throughput materials design, shifting the paradigm to “design-before-synthesis.” Finally, a critical assessment is provided for the Prospects and Challenges in Commercialization. This section emphasizes the urgent need to overcome engineering hurdles related to scalability, cost-effective manufacturing, and ensuring long-term operational stability against plasticization and fouling. The chapter concludes by outlining crucial future research directions, focusing on developing highly reproducible, mass-manufacturable membrane modules to bridge the gap between superior laboratory performance and widespread industrial adoption. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2026.