Chapter 5 - The use of nanomaterials in the synthesis of nanofiber membranes and their application in water treatment

Abstract

The development of nanostructured membranes made from nanofibers has received increased attention in the past decade. The electrospinning technique has been the most commonly used technique to prepare nanofiber mats and electrospun nanofibrous membranes (ENMs). Different polymers such as polyacryolonitrile, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl alcohol, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, nylon-6, poly(ethylene oxide), polystyrene, cellulose acetate, and many more have been used to prepare nanofiber membranes. While these membranes have shown promising filtration properties, they suffer challenges relating to their mechanical strength, fouling propensity, and other desired properties of membranes (such a low hydrophilicity), which are typical with other membranes prepared via phase inversion or interfacial polymerization processes. To enhance their performance, various nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide, silicon dioxide, nano-clays, cylcodextrins, etc., have been embedded or coated on the surface of nanofiber membranes. This chapter discusses the role of these nanomaterials in developing nanofiber membranes that are suitable for use in water treatment.