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Vishwakarma V, Kandasamy J, Vigneswaran S. Surface Treatment of Polymer Membranes for Effective Biofouling Control. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:736. [PMID: 37623797 PMCID: PMC10456448 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13080736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Membrane biofouling is the consequence of the deposition of microorganisms on polymer membrane surfaces. Polymeric membranes have garnered more attention for filtering and purifying water because of their ease of handling, low cost, effortless surface modification, and mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties. The sizes of the pores in the membranes enable micro- and nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, and reverse osmosis. Commonly used polymers for water filter membranes are polyvinyl chloride (PVA), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyamide (PA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyethersulfone (PES), polyimide (PI), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyvinyl alcohol (PA), poly (methacrylic acid) (PMAA), polyaniline nanoparticles (PANI), poly (arylene ether ketone) (PAEK), polyvinylidene fluoride polysulfone (PSF), poly (ether imide) (PEI), etc. However, these polymer membranes are often susceptible to biofouling because of inorganic, organic, and microbial fouling, which deteriorates the membranes and minimizes their lives, and increases operating costs. Biofouling infection on polymer membranes is responsible for many chronic diseases in humans. This contamination cannot be eliminated by periodic pre- or post-treatment processes using biocides and other chemicals. For this reason, it is imperative to modify polymer membranes by surface treatments to enhance their efficiency and longevity. The main objective of this manuscript is to discuss application-oriented approaches to control biofouling on polymer membranes using various surface treatment methods, including nanomaterials and fouling characterizations utilizing advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinita Vishwakarma
- Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Galgotias University, Greater Noida 203201, India
| | - Jaya Kandasamy
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia;
| | - Saravanamuthu Vigneswaran
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia;
- Faculty of Sciences & Technology (RealTek), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, N-1432 Ås, Norway
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Research Progress of Water Treatment Technology Based on Nanofiber Membranes. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15030741. [PMID: 36772042 PMCID: PMC9920505 DOI: 10.3390/polym15030741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In the field of water purification, membrane separation technology plays a significant role. Electrospinning has emerged as a primary method to produce nanofiber membranes due to its straightforward, low cost, functional diversity, and process controllability. It is possible to flexibly control the structural characteristics of electrospun nanofiber membranes as well as carry out various membrane material combinations to make full use of their various properties, including high porosity, high selectivity, and microporous permeability to obtain high-performance water treatment membranes. These water separation membranes can satisfy the fast and efficient purification requirements in different water purification applications due to their high filtration efficiency. The current research on water treatment membranes is still focused on creating high-permeability membranes with outstanding selectivity, remarkable antifouling performance, superior physical and chemical performance, and long-term stability. This paper reviewed the preparation methods and properties of electrospun nanofiber membranes for water treatment in various fields, including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, forward osmosis, and other special applications. Lastly, various antifouling technologies and research progress of water treatment membranes were discussed, and the future development direction of electrospun nanofiber membranes for water treatment was also presented.
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Nayak V, Mannekote Shivanna J, Ramu S, Radoor S, Balakrishna RG. Efficacy of Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes on Fouling Mitigation: A Review. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:43346-43363. [PMID: 36506161 PMCID: PMC9730468 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c02081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite the advantages of high contaminant removal, operational flexibility, and technical advancements offered, the undesirable fouling property of membranes limits their durability, thus posing restrictions on their usage. An enormous struggle is underway to conquer this major challenge. Most of the earlier reviews include the basic concepts of fouling and antifouling, with respect to particular separation processes such as ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis and membrane bioreactors, graphene-based membranes, zwitterionic membranes, and so on. As per our knowledge, the importance of nanofiber membranes in challenging the fouling process has not been included in any record to date. Nanofibers with the ability to be embedded in any medium with a high surface to volume ratio play a key role in mitigating the fouling of membranes, and it is important for these studies to be critically analyzed and reported. Our Review hence intends to focus on nanofiber membranes developed with enhanced antifouling and biofouling properties with a brief introduction on fabrication processes and surface and chemical modifications. A summary on surface modifications of preformed nanofibers is given along with different nanofiller combinations used and blend fabrication with efficacy in wastewater treatment and antifouling abilities. In addition, future prospects and advancements are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh Nayak
- Institute
of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Studentská 573, Pardubice-532 10, Czech Republic
| | - Jyothi Mannekote Shivanna
- Department
of Chemistry, AMC Engineering College, Bannerughatta Road, Bengaluru 260083, Karnataka, India
| | - Shwetharani Ramu
- Centre
for Nano and Material Sciences, Jain University, Jain Global Campus, Kanakapura, Bangalore 562112, Karnataka, India
| | - Sabarish Radoor
- Department
of Mechanical and Process Engineering, The Sirindhorn International
Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok 10800, Thailand
| | - R. Geetha Balakrishna
- Centre
for Nano and Material Sciences, Jain University, Jain Global Campus, Kanakapura, Bangalore 562112, Karnataka, India
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El-Aswar EI, Ramadan H, Elkik H, Taha AG. A comprehensive review on preparation, functionalization and recent applications of nanofiber membranes in wastewater treatment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 301:113908. [PMID: 34626949 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The direct discharge of significant amounts of polluted water into water bodies causes adverse ecological and human health effects. This severe deterioration in water quality creates significant challenges to meet the growing demand for clean water. Therefore, the world urgently needs environmentally friendly advanced technology to overcome this global crisis. In this regard, nanofiber-based membrane filtration is a promising technique in wastewater remediation because of their huge surface area, extremely porous structure, amenable pore size/pore size distribution, variety of material choices, and flexibility to modification with other functional materials. However, despite their unique properties, fouling, poor mechanical properties, shrinkage, and deformation are major drawbacks of nanofiber membranes for treating wastewater. This review presents a comprehensive overview of nanofiber membranes' fabrication and function in water purification applications as well as providing novel approaches to overcoming/alleviating the mentioned disadvantages. The review first presents nanofiber membrane preparation methods, focusing on electrospinning as a versatile and viable technique alongside discussing the parameters controlling nanofiber morphology. Afterward, the functionalization of nanofiber membranes by combining them with other nanomaterials, such as metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, metal-organic frameworks, and biomolecules, were demonstrated and discussed. In addition, nanofiber membranes functionalized with microorganisms were highlighted. Finally, we introduced and discussed in detail the most relevant and recent advances in nanofiber applications in wastewater treatment in the context of removing different pollutants (e.g., heavy metals, nutrients, radioactive elements, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products, dyes, and pesticides). Moreover, the promising antimicrobial ability of nanofiber membranes in removing microorganisms from wastewater has been fully underscored. We believe this comprehensive review could provide researchers with preliminary data and guide both researchers and producers engaged in the nanofiber membrane industry, letting them focus on the research gaps in wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eslam Ibrahim El-Aswar
- Central Laboratories for Environmental Quality Monitoring, National Water Research Center, El-Kanater, Qalyubiyah, 13621, Egypt.
| | - Hassan Ramadan
- Public Works Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta University, Tanta, 31733, Egypt
| | - Hussin Elkik
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt
| | - Ahmed G Taha
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt
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Dobosz KM, Kuo-Leblanc CA, Bowden JW, Schiffman JD. Robust, small diameter hydrophilic nanofibers improve the flux of ultrafiltration membranes. Ind Eng Chem Res 2021; 60:9179-9188. [PMID: 34602741 DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.1c01332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we systematically investigated the flux performance of ultrafiltration (UF) membranes functionalized with randomly-accumulated nanofibers. By electrospinning nanofibers from hydrophobic polysulfone (PSf) and hydrophilic cellulose (CL), we were able to explore the role that bulk nanofiber (NF) layer thickness, individual NF diameter, and intrinsic chemistry have on composite membrane flux. Additional parameters that we systematically tested include the molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) of the base membrane (10, 100, and 200 kDa), flow orientation (cross-flow versus dead-end), and the feed solution (hydrophilic water versus hydrophobic oil). Structurally, the crosslinked PSf nanofibers were more robust than the CL nanofibers, which lead to the PSfNF-UF membranes having a greater flux performance. To decouple the structural robustness from the water affinity of the fibers, we chemically modified the PSf fibers to be hydrophilic and indeed, the flux of these new composite membranes featuring hydrophilic crosslinked nanofibers were superior. In summary, the greatest increase in flux performance arises from the smallest diameter, hydrophilic nanofibers that are mechanically robust (crosslinked). We have demonstrated that electrospun nanofiber layers improve the flux performance of ultrafiltration membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerianne M Dobosz
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003-9303, United States
| | - Christopher A Kuo-Leblanc
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003-9303, United States
| | - Jared W Bowden
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003-9303, United States
| | - Jessica D Schiffman
- Department of Chemical Engineering University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003-9303, United States
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Ju X, Lu JP, Zhao LL, Lu TD, Cao XL, Jia TZ, Wang YC, Sun SP. Electrospun transition layer that enhances the structure and performance of thin-film nanofibrous composite membranes. J Memb Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2020.118927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Electrospinning: A Powerful Tool to Improve the Corrosion Resistance of Metallic Surfaces Using Nanofibrous Coatings. METALS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/met10030350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The use of surface engineering techniques to tune-up the composition of nanostructured thin-films for developing functional coatings with advanced properties is a hot topic within the scientific community. The control of the coating structure at the nanoscale level allows improving the intrinsic properties of the surface compared to bulk materials. A nanodeposition technique with increasing popularity in the field of nanotechnology is electrospinning. This technique permits the fabrication of long and continuous fibres on the micro-nano scale. The good control over fibre morphology combined with its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, easy exploitability and scalability make electrospinning a very interesting tool for technological applications. This review is focused on the use of the electrospinning technique to protect metallic surfaces against corrosion. Polymeric precursors, from natural or biodegradable to synthetic polymers and copolymers can be electrospun with an adequate control of the operational deposition parameters (applied voltage, flow rate, distance tip to collector) and the intrinsic properties of the polymeric precursor (concentration, viscosity, solvent). The electrospun fibres can be used as an efficient alternative to encapsulate corrosion inhibitors of different nature (inorganic or organic) as well as self-healing agents which can be released to reduce the corrosion rate in the metallic surfaces.
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Cimadoro J, Goyanes S. Reversible swelling as a strategy in the development of smart membranes from electrospun polyvinyl alcohol nanofiber mats. JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20190156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Cimadoro
- Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Física, Laboratorio de Polímeros y Materiales Compuestos (LP&MC)Instituto de Física de Buenos Aires (IFIBA‐CONICET) Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Silvia Goyanes
- Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Física, Laboratorio de Polímeros y Materiales Compuestos (LP&MC)Instituto de Física de Buenos Aires (IFIBA‐CONICET) Buenos Aires Argentina
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