Electrospinning Setup Design and Modification for Fabrication of Photocatalytic Electrospun Nanofibrous Membranes for Water Treatment

Abstract

Membrane technology research has advanced rapidly to treat wastewater, recycle contaminated water, and provide more freshwater. Because of their unique features, such as high porosity (up to 90%) and large specific surface area, electrospun nanofibrous membranes offer a lot of potential for use in membrane processes. When compared to other nanofiber manufacturing techniques, electrospinning can generate new nanofibrous scaffold structures by creating complex assemblies, and it is straightforward to functionalize nanofibers by adding multifunctional elements. Even though there are numerous alternative methods for producing nanofibers, electrospinning is the most versatile. Materials, particularly polymeric nanofibers, have been fabricated by electrospinning, either directly or through postspinning processes. Electrospinning, on the other hand, differs from other nanofiber production processes in that it allows for the creation of a wide range of fiber assemblies. This would undoubtedly improve the performance of nano-fiber-based materials while also allowing for application-specific changes. As a result, we must understand the numerous characteristics and methods that allow us to construct the required fiber assemblies. The goal of this book chapter is to discuss the recent development of the produced nanofibrous photocatalytic membranes based on various electrospinning setups, with a focus on physical and morphological structure developments for high wastewater treatment efficiency. The potential of nanofibrous membranes in wastewater treatment, as well as the issues and future approaches, have been comprehensively covered.