Abstract
Electrospinning is an emerging technique for the preparation of electrospun fiber membranes (ENMs), and a very promising one on the basis of the high-yield and the scalability of the process according to a process intensification strategy. Most of the research reported in the literature has been focused on the preparation of poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) ENMs by using N,N- dimethylformamide (DMF) as a solvent, which is considered a mutagenic and cancerogenic substance. Hence, the possibility of using alternative solvents represents an interesting approach to investigate. In this work, we explored the use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a low toxicity solvent in a mixture with acetone for the preparation of PVDF-ENMs. As a first step, a solubility study of the polymer, PVDF 6012 Solef®, in several DMSO/acetone mixtures was carried out, and then, different operating conditions (e.g., applied voltage and needle to collector plate distance) for the successful electrospinning of the ENMs were evaluated. The study provided evidence of the crucial role of solution conductivity in the electrospinning phase and the thermal post-treatment. The prepared ENMs were characterized by evaluating the morphology (by SEM), pore-size, porosity, surface properties, and performance in terms of water permeability. The obtained results showed the possibility of producing ENMs in a more sustainable way, with a pore size in the range of 0.2–0.8 µm, high porosity (above 80%), and water flux in the range of 11.000–38.000 L/m2·h·bar.
Highlights
Membrane technology plays a key role in all those processes where water treatment is required, e.g., desalination and wastewater treatment
In this research, poly (PVDF) electrospun fiber membranes (ENMs) were prepared using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as an alternative low toxicity solvent in a mixture with acetone, which was used as a co-solvent [12,14,15]
DS1, prepared using the DMF/acetone solvent mixture, showed a viscosity of about 87 cP. This value is in agreement with what has already been reported in the literature and considered ideal for the electrospinning of PVDF
Summary
Membrane technology plays a key role in all those processes where water treatment is required, e.g., desalination and wastewater treatment. The parameters influencing the final ENMs are various and include the electrospinning system (electric field, flow rate, distance between needle and collector), humidity, temperature, and polymeric dope solution in terms of viscosity, solution conductivity, polymer concentration, and solvent. More than ever, there is increasing attention and awareness on environmental and health problems [13] and the possibility of employing “green” solvents, as alternatives to traditional ones, is considered as a valid route that can be pursued for minimizing the impact of hazardous substances [14] According to this scenario, in this research, poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) electrospun fiber membranes (ENMs) were prepared using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as an alternative low toxicity solvent in a mixture with acetone, which was used as a co-solvent [12,14,15].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
