Self-adhesive and firm zein fibrous membrane via eugenol-induced dynamic molecular regulation for water treatment

Abstract

Zein fibrous membrane is a good choice for wastewater treatment owing to abundant functional groups, nontoxicity and degradability. However, zein-based fibrous membrane usually suffers from poor durability due to poor mechanical properties. Traditional methods for improving the mechanical properties often face inevitably challenges, such as operational complexity, environmental pollution and interface delamination. Herein, a simple, green and effective strategy of Eugenol induced “dynamic switch” is proposed to enhance the mechanical properties of zein fibrous membrane. This method alters the molecular conformation and solvent volatility, which enhances the spinnability, forms fiber self-adhesion and tight adhesion to the substrate. The mechanical properties of zein fibrous membranes improves 4.4 times compared with original zein fibrous membrane, and exhibits good applications in water treatment. Additionally, it is universal to various substrates and ethanol–water solvent-based spinning solution. This “dynamic switch” strategy enables zein fibrous membrane firm and self-adhesive via a cost-effective, time-efficient, eco-friendly and widely universal fabrication, which provides potential broad applications for zein-based membrane materials.