Blend Nanoparticles Research Articles

Synthesis of cefixime loaded PCL/HPMC blend nanoparticles: a controlled release study and in vitro anti-bacterial evaluation

Aim To enhance cefixime’s effectiveness and address drug delivery challenges like concentration at the site, dose, and time, present study investigated the impact of polymer blends on cefixime’s in vitro release profile. Methods Cefixime-loaded nanoparticles were prepared via a modified solvent evaporation method, forming a W/O/W double emulsion. Characterisation included FT-IR, zeta potential, TGA, TEM, and XRD, with in vitro studies and kinetic models used to analyse the release mechanism. Results The PH-4 nanoparticle formulation (80:20 PCL/HPMC, 0.5% PVA) achieved an 81% loading rate, no adverse effects, and a controlled release of 84.66%±2.53 over 30 days. It showed stable physicochemical properties, with in vitro antibacterial tests revealing inhibition zones of 27.4 ± 2.12 mm for E. coli and 17.2 ± 2.23 mm for S. aureus at 12 hours. Conclusion Based on the findings, developed nanoparticulate system containing PCL/HPMC demonstrates its efficacy and safety as a controlled drug delivery method for antibiotics like cefixime.

Optimization of Biodiesel–Nanoparticle Blends for Enhanced Diesel Engine Performance and Emission Reduction

Optimization of Biodiesel–Nanoparticle Blends for Enhanced Diesel Engine Performance and Emission Reduction

Vibration and Noise of Diesel engine Using Calophyllum inophyllum Biodiesel and MoO3 nanoparticles: Experimental and machine learning study

The current study deals with the evaluation of vibrations and noise generated by a diesel engine powered by Calophyllum inophyllum biodiesel blend (B20) and molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) nanoparticles, predicted using machine learning algorithms. The nanoparticles were spread out in B20 at a level of 75 ppm, along with a surfactant and a dispersant to make sure they mixed evenly with the fuel samples. The stability of the nanoparticles was then tested using the principle of photo spectroscopy and it was found that the stability of nanoparticles to which surfactants and dispersants had been added was increased. The experiment with the diesel engine was carried out to evaluate the vibrations and noise by varying different loads (3, 6, 9, and 12 kgf) and injection pressures (200, 220, and 240 bar). The vibrations and noise intensity were reduced with B20 compared to normal diesel and a further reduction was observed by adding nanoparticles together with the dispersant. With increasing load, the RMS velocity and the RMS noise also increased, but these decreased with increasing injection pressure. The most favourable result for RMS velocity and RMS noise was B20+MoO3 75 ppm+ Dispersant 75ppm. At an injection pressure of 240 bar and a full load of 12 kgf, the RMS velocity was 0.568 m s-1 and 55.265 dB, which corresponds to an improvement of 28.76 % and 9.78 % respectively compared to conventional diesel for B20+MoO375ppm+ Dispersant 75ppm. Finally, the entire experimental data of 60 were predicted using various machine learning (ML) algorithms, such as Random Forest (RF), Decision Trees (DT), Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Support Vector Machines (SVM) and XG Boost and the predicted results correlated well with the experimental values. All algorithms have shown a good association, but XGBoost has shown a better correlation coefficient (R2). The R2 of each algorithm is in the range of 0.94–0.99, the MRE and RSME are also in the significant range for both RMS velocity and RMS noise.

Decoding the performance of a blend of metal-oxide nanoparticles in Eichhornia crassipes biodiesel at varying injection timing through the routes of thermodynamic analysis and statistical optimization

Biodiesel, known for its large cetane number, low pour point, and lower aromatics and sulfur content, has appeared as a promising alternative to diesel. This study focuses on testing the biodiesel extracted from Eichhornia Crassipes with TiO2 nanoparticles at 150 ppm concentration in a diesel engine. The experiment involved varying injection timings (ITs) of the biodiesel and nanoparticle blend, with three ITs of 20, 23, 25 and 28⁰bTDC, and a standard IT of 23⁰bTDC for diesel. The engine was tested at five different engine loads, ranging from 20 % to 100 %, with an increment of 20 % after each step. The experimentation was conducted at a constant an engine speed of 1500 rpm and a compression ratio of 17.5. The result showed an enhanced performance and a decreased emissions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons for 20⁰bTDC of biodiesel and nanoparticle blend. However, the emission of nitrogen oxides increased for the same blend and IT of 20⁰bTDC. The study suggests that using a 150 ppm concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles in Eichhornia Crassipes biodiesel could be an alternative to diesel for diesel engines when IT is set at 20⁰bTDC. Further, the statistical optimization using RSM suggests that the engine load around 61 % and IT of 20 ⁰bTDC gives optimum values of response variables.

Impact of Harmonic Voltage on the Partial Discharge Properties of Eco-Friendly Nanofluid

The Insulation is crucial in transformers to maintain electrical isolation between components and windings, ensuring safe and efficient operation. Mineral oil acts as both insulation and coolant in transformers. It is a substance that does not naturally degrade and can persist in the environment for an extended period if accidentally released. Therefore, Sunflower oil is used as a substitute for mineral oil. However, harmonic distortion is a common issue in power systems, leading to increased dielectric loss and partial discharge activity, ultimately causing insulation failure and equipment damage. Hence, it is vital to analyze the partial discharge performance of pure Sunflower oil under varying harmonic AC voltages to ensure the reliable operation of electrical devices. The study examines the partial discharge characteristics of a sunflower oil-based nanofluid under harmonic AC voltages, which is a blend of pure sunflower oil and SiO2 nanoparticles. Two nanofluid mixtures were created, one with a 0.01% mass ratio and the other with 0.05% sunflower oil. Various PD characteristics were evaluated, including Partial Discharge significance, starting voltage, duration of increase, maximum amplitude, Phase-Resolved PD sample, and frequency and time graphs of the Partial Discharge signal. All tests were carried out under IEC regulations. A comparison was made between the outcomes of Nano blended sunflower oil and natural sunflower edible oil. Experiments were conducted on partial discharges in Sunflower oil using specific harmonic superimposed AC Voltages, utilizing the third and fifth harmonics. The findings reveal that: a) PDIV value decreases with increasing harmonic order when using AC voltage with superimposed harmonics, b) PD characteristics are closely related to the voltage waveform, and the addition of Silica to sunflower oil results in reduced PD amplitude, pulse duration, and time duration compared to pure sunflower oil.

Modelling to predict performance and emission parameters of hydrogen, additive and nano-particles blended fuel in a dual-fuel diesel engine through artificial neural network

The depleted state of fossil fuels has led to the need to find an alternate solution for the utilization of transportation vehicles. The use of hydrogen, fuel additives, and nanoparticles has been part of the research in the recent past. Additionally, the use of artificial neural network was applied to anticipate the results for the optimization of the work and output, which has also been a study of interest recently. In the current work, different blends of diesel with hydrogen, TGME as a fuel additive, and Al2O3 nanoparticles were utilized to check for the best performance and the least emissions. The best performance was seen with the inclusion of TGME in diesel along with hydrogen, while the use of nanoparticles increased CO formation. An improvement in the BTE was also found with the blends of TGME and nanoparticles in diesel along with hydrogen. The usage of TGME along with H2 performed the best in terms of BTE (15.8%) and while the least emission of NOx, HC, and CO was found with the combination of diesel and H2. The artificial neural network was applied afterwards to predict the results using the obtained data from the experimental results. It was found that the values of regression coefficients for BTE and ITE were close to 1 (0.99 for BTE and 0.98 for ITE). In the above cases, the value of the mean square error was also observed to be least. Furthermore, the results for the regression coefficient of emissions were close to 1 for NOx (0.94), HC (0.89), and CO (0.93) with minimum possible mean square errors in all the cases. The results showed that they were in line with the predicted data as well as the available literature for the anticipation of the obtained results.

Optimizing lornoxicam-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and (polyethylene glycol) nanoparticles for transdermal delivery: ex vivo/in vivo inflammation evaluation.

Aim: This study focused on developing a topical gel incorporating lornoxicam-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and polyethylene glycol (PLGA-PEG) blend nanoparticles to mitigate gastrointestinal (GIT) side effects and enhance therapeutic efficacy. Materials & methods: Synthesized nanoparticles were subjected to in vitro characterization, ex vivo permeation studies, and acute oral toxicity analysis post-incorporation into the gel using a S/O/W double emulsion solvent. Results & conclusion: The nanoparticles displayed a smooth, spherical morphology (170-321nm) with increased entrapment efficiency (96.2%). LOX exhibited a permeation rate of 70-94% from the nanoparticle-infused gel, demonstrating favorable biocompatibility at the cellular level. The formulated gel, enriched with nanoparticles, holds promising prospects for drug-delivery systems and promising improved therapeutic outcomes for LOX.

Surface Modifications of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles with Chitosan, Polyethylene Glycol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, and Polyvinylpyrrolidone as Methylene Blue Adsorbent Beads.

Due to the negative impacts the dye may have on aquatic habitats and human health, it is often found in industrial effluent and poses a threat to public health. Hence, to solve this problem, this study developed magnetic adsorbents that can remove synthetic dyes like methylene blue. The adsorbent, in the form of beads, consists of a polymer blend of chitosan, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (average size of 19.03 ± 4.25 nm). The adsorption and desorption of MB from beads were carried out at pH values of 7 and 3.85, respectively. At a concentration of 9 mg/L, the loading capacity and the loading amount of MB after 5 days peaked at 29.75 ± 1.53% and 297.48 ± 15.34 mg/g, respectively. Meanwhile, the entrapment efficiency of MB reached 29.42 ± 2.19% at a concentration of 8 mg/L. The cumulative desorption capacity of the adsorbent after 13 days was at its maximum at 7.72 ± 0.5%. The adsorption and desorption kinetics were evaluated.

Investigation of combination of heat storage container and thermosyphon solar system in existence of nanomaterial

This research explores the combination of fins into thermosyphon solar collectors to enhance energy efficiency. The storage system includes a finned container filled with nanomaterial (a blend of Al2O3 nanoparticles and paraffin (RT30)), while the fluid circulating within the tube consists of a homogeneous mixture of copper nanoparticles and water. Unsteady laminar flow within a three-dimensional domain, incorporating gravitational forces, has been modeled. The numerical approach has undergone rigorous validation, demonstrating strong agreement with both experimental and numerical data. Effects of fin installation and nano-powder dispersion have been investigated across various scenarios. At t = 60 min, the liquid fraction (LF) is approximately 2.08 times higher in the system with fins compared to the simple case. LF progressively increases over time, reaching a value 3.1 times higher at t = 60 min compared to t = 30 min. The temperature of the nanofluid in the tank rises over time. Despite the enhanced nanofluid temperature in the tube due to fin presence, a decrease occurs within the domain due to accelerated melting rate in the container. Incorporation of nanoparticles into paraffin shows an improvement in LF by approximately 11.66 % in the presence of fins.

Exergy, energy, performance, and combustion analysis for biodiesel NOx reduction using new blends with alcohol, nanoparticle, and essential oil

Biodiesel is considered one of the alternative replacements to fossil fuels. However, the major challenge associated with its application in diesel engines is the higher level of NOx emissions. Fuel modification technologies, where biodiesel is blended with various additives and fuels, have emerged as a distinguished method in recent years to improve engine performance and reduce NOx. The study aims to reduce NOx emissions by fuel modification techniques. Five blends were prepared using Tucuma biodiesel along with ethanol, carbon nanotubes, and eucalyptus oil. The prepared blends were deployed to a test bed engine at rated speed and by varying loads to investigate performance, emission, and combustion characteristics. The results revealed that ethanol-blended fuels such as DE10 and TB10E10 had reduced the NOx emissions by 51.37% and 9%, respectively, at lower loads compared to diesel. Although the nanoparticle blend exhibited increased NOx emissions compared to diesel, it demonstrated reductions of 4.1%, 4.56%, 7.2%, and 3.1% at loads of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, respectively, compared to TB10. The study highlights various tradeoffs observed between operating conditions and engine parameters for the blends, as detailed in this research. The study found that blends TB10E10 and TB10E10CNT20 exhibit improved performance close to that of diesel and reduced NOx and CO emissions compared to that of diesel and TB10. The study recommends further exploring the impact of injection rates with ethanol-blended fuels as they showed longer ignition delays since advancing the injection can create better combustion with ethanol blends.

‘Jelly to Joule’: Direct laser writing of sustainable jellyfish-based ‘graphenic silicon’ anodes for environmentally remediating high-performance lithium-ion batteries

The ramifications of global climate change and resource scarcities have made it imperative to re-examine the definition of sustainable energy-storage systems. It is crucial to recognize that not all renewable resources are inherently sustainable, and their full impact on the environment must be assessed. With the proliferation of invasive jellyfish species wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems and economies worldwide, utilizing overabundant jellyfish as a carbon source presents an opportunity to create energy-storage systems that are both financially beneficial and environmentally remediating. Accordingly, a comprehensive approach to sustainability also requires eco-friendly solutions throughout the entire lifecycle, from material sourcing to battery production, without compromising high-performance requirements. Currently, most electrode syntheses for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) employed are energy-intensive, multiple-steps, complex, and additive-heavy. In response, this work pioneers the straightforward use of low-energy laser irradiation of a jellyfish biomass/silicon nanoparticle blend to encapsulate the silicon nanoparticles in-situ within the as-forming conductive carbonized matrix, creating sustainable and additive-free composite anodes. The self-standing anode is directly synthesized under ambient conditions and requires no post-processing. Here, a laser-synthesized conductive three-dimensional porous carbon/silicon composite anode from raw jellyfish biomass for LIBs is presented, displaying outstanding cyclic stability (>1000 cycles), excellent capacity retention (>50% retention after 1000 cycles), exceptional coulombic efficiency (>99%), superb reversible gravimetric capacity (>2000 mAh/g), and high rate performance capability (>1.6 A/g), paving a new path to future sustainable energy production.

Investigation of the use of aluminum oxide nanoparticle-enhanced waste cooking oil blends in compression ignition engines.

The sustainable utilization of waste cooking oil (WCO) as an alternative to fossil fuels has gained considerable attention due to its potential for delivering substantial environmental and economic benefits. This research attempts to explore the impact of incorporating aluminum oxide nanoparticles (AONP) into WCO on the emissions, combustion characteristics, and overall performance of a single-cylinder compression ignition (CI) engine. Comparative analyses were conducted against conventional commercial diesel fuel and pure WCO, as well as varying blends of WCO with AONP at 25ppm, 50ppm, and 75ppm concentrations. The experimental results demonstrate a notable enhancement in brake thermal efficiency (BTE), with a 13.2% increase observed in the WCO + 75 AONP fuel blend compared to neat WCO. Engines fueled by WCO nanoparticle blends showed significant augmentation in-cylinder pressure and heat release rates. Furthermore, these blends exhibited a substantial reduction in carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and soot emissions by 44%, 31%, and 48%, respectively, while nitrogen oxide (NO) emissions increased by 7% compared to neat WCO. Among the assessed fuel mixtures, the WCO + 75 AONP blend demonstrated higher engine performance. This study underscores the potential of aluminum oxide nanoparticle-enhanced WCO blends as viable and environmentally responsible options for sustainable energy solutions. However, challenges such as production costs and long-term fuel stability must be addressed to establish nano-fuels as financially viable alternatives.

P‐181: Enhancing the Bragg‐Reflection by Blending Ag Nanoparticles in Polymer Stabilized Cholesteric Liquid Crystals

The coupling between the incident light and the highly reflective nanoparticles is believed to potentially raise the reflective intensity of PSCLCs by creating a channel that causes the incident light to reach the helical CLCs and reflect outward. Therefore, in this research Ag nanoparticles were blended into polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals (PSCLCs) to enhance their reflective intensity. A small amount of blending Ag nanoparticles (less than 1.0 wt%) in PSCLCs that investigated with 1wt% ‐ 3wt% RM 257 polymerization effectively leads to an increase of the reflective intensity of up to 17%, but has little effect on their thermally induced dynamical reflection variations. These results indicate that the blending of Ag nanoparticles in PSCLCs is an adequate method for the investigation of highly reflective PSCLCs.

Predicting combustion, performance, and emission characteristics of a compression ignition engine utilising coconut oil methyl ester and MoO3 nanoparticles

The present study used a blend of biofuel and nanoparticles to examine the effectiveness and emission properties of a four-stroke, single-cylinder, direct-injection diesel engine with an injection pressure of 250 bar. The use of MoO3 in biodiesel enhances its environmental sustainability and dependability, making it a promising substitute for traditional diesel fuel. The study emphasises the ecological advantages of using a combination of coconut oil and MoO3 to accomplish the production of renewable energy. MoO3 nanoparticles ultimately function as an oxidation catalyst, enhancing combustion. A study with MoO3 nanoparticles at 50 and 100 ppm concentrations was carried out. Utilising a photo spectrometer, stability was determined. The CI engine demonstrated improved thermal efficiency and reduced Fuel Consumption compared to diesel, both at full load conditions and at 64.5 bar pressure. The performance, combustion, and emission parameters were precisely forecasted using Design Expert, exhibiting a robust connection with the testing results. The Rb values for Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC), Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE), Peak Cylinder Pressure (P-CA), Net Heat Release Rate (NHRR), Crankcase Heat Release Rate (CHRR), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Unburned Hydrocarbons (UHC), Nitrogen Oxides (NOX), and Smoke Opacity are 0.997, 0.9998, 0.8898, 0.979, 0.9838, 0.9815, 0.9917, 0.9958, and 0.9261 respectively.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles immobilized on polymeric porous matrix for water remediation

This work proposes a novel approach to producing composite membranes by immobilizing and blending ZnO nanoparticles within a polymer matrix. The focus is investigating how different immobilization techniques impact membrane performance in critical technological applications, including membrane fouling mitigation and photocatalytic degradation. Lab-synthesized ZnO nanostructures were immobilized within a natural cellulose acetate (CA) matrix using a spray coating technique. To ensure comprehensive exploration, CA membranes with 12% and 15% wt polymer concentrations, which demonstrated superior overall performance in previous studies, were cast and prepared. The membranes underwent phase inversion, and a specially prepared ZnO solution was sprayed onto the membrane surface, creating a unique blend of polymer and nanoparticles. This comparative study highlights distinctions between nanomaterial immobilization techniques (mixing and spray coating) while maintaining identical polymer content. Such insights are crucial for both industrial applications and laboratory-scale research. The photocatalytic degradation of the reactive and toxic dye methylene blue (MB) served as a model reaction, employing a UV light module. Results unequivocally demonstrated that, irrespective of the immobilization technique employed, the combination of CA and ZnO nanoparticles significantly enhanced the photocatalytic activity of the membrane in degrading methylene blue (MB). Specifically, the dye concentration decreased from 25 to approximately 8 mg/L for both the spray coating and bulk immobilization methods, resulting in 62% and 69% dye degradation, respectively. These findings underscore the versatility of different immobilization techniques in various aspects of membrane technology. The CA-ZnO composite exhibited efficacy in photocatalytic MB degradation tests, offering promising alternatives for designing polymeric membranes tailored for contaminant removal, particularly in treating textile dye-contaminated aqueous solutions. The exploration of diverse immobilization techniques for nanocomposites presents an exciting avenue for optimization in different membrane technological processes.

Hybrid Power Generation: Experimental Investigation of PCM and TEG Integration with Photovoltaic Systems

Global warming and escalating energy consumption have presented pressing issues, catalyzing a pivotal shift towards environmental development worldwide. In recent years, the installed capacity of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, particularly crystalline silicon cells, has experienced a significant surge. Among the myriad studies aimed at enhancing the efficiency of PV cells' power generation, one prominent avenue involves reducing the internal temperature of these cells. The primary objectives of the present study revolved around augmenting power generation and improving photocell efficiency. This was pursued through the strategic blending of nanoparticles with phase change material (PCM), with variations in insertion percentages to modulate the heat absorption capacity of the PV panel. Additionally, the study sought to evaluate the impact of integrating Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) modules and a water-based nano-fluid cooling system beneath the TEG setup. These measures aimed to effectively monitor the conversion of waste heat into electrical energy. Consequently, the proposed orientation of PV panels – involving PCM adjustment via alteration of insertion percentages, coupled with TEG integration and water-based nano-fluid cooling technology – holds significant promise for enhancing efficiency and mitigating solar cell degradation.

Thermophysical characterization and reliability analysis of binary composite nano doping on stearic acid-acetamide eutectic PCM

Organic phase change materials (PCM) have been extensively studied and employed for thermal energy storage applications, especially in the last decade. Wide range of melting temperature with high latent heat of fusion and absence of super cooling have made them highly desirable for energy storage applications, yet their intrinsic low thermal conductivity has been a major drawback in practical implementation. This study intends to address this and study the thermophysical characteristics of an organic PCM through composite nano doping. Stearic acid-acetamide eutectic PCM with a melting temperature of 65.73 °C and a latent heat of 203.72 J/g, was incorporated with a binary blend of Aluminum Oxide nanoparticles and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). The addition of metallic oxide and carbonaceous nanoparticles increased the melting temperature of the eutectic mixture by 2.9 °C and a highly advantageous increment in latent heat of fusion by 10% was observed, due to the improved molecular interaction introduced by the nanoparticles. Composite nano doping enhanced the thermal conductivity of the eutectic PCM by a 132.7% and also resulted in high optical absorption properties. The prepared eutectic mixtures were chemically stable and the eutectic PCM showed an improved final degradation temperature and thermal stability, with composite nano doping. Thermal reliability was analyzed through accelerated thermal cycling test and the eutectic mixtures could retain their thermal characteristics and chemical stability even after 500 thermal cycles. Composite nano doping proved to be a reliable thermophysical characteristics enhancement technique for organic eutectic PCM.

The Importance of Semiconductor Miscibility for the Formation of Light‐Harvesting Polymer:Fullerene Nanoparticle Dispersions

Light‐harvesting layers in organic bulk‐heterojunction solar cells are commonly fabricated from aromatic solvents which are often toxic or hazardous. To fully omit harmful solvents, (surfactant‐free) nanoparticle dispersions of organic semiconductor blends are investigated, but only a very limited choice of materials form blend nanoparticles. This work is a systematic study of the nanoparticle formation by nanoprecipitation of electrostatically stabilized polymer: fullerene blends. It turns out that miscibility of both components is crucial for the incorporation of the fullerenes into the nanoparticles. This finding demystifies why certain polymer:fullerene combinations seemingly randomly form stable nanoparticle dispersion while others do not. The need of miscibility constitutes an important design criterion for processing future semiconductor blends along the nanoparticle route. Some mitigation to the unwanted release of larger amounts of fullerenes can be achieved by using ternary semiconductor blends.

Formation of Highly Robust Superhydrophobic Nanocomposite Coatings via Dual Spraying Technique

The development of materials that repel water, known as superhydrophobic materials, has been hindered by their vulnerability to mechanical abrasion. This issue is particularly pronounced for superhydrophobic nanocomposite coatings fabricated using a simple blend of resin and nanoparticles (NPs) through uncomplicated methods such as spraying or brushing, where an excessive amount of NPs can deteriorate the mechanical property. Moreover, the limitation of thickness puts forward a request for a high retention rate of the coatings. In response to these challenges, this study presents an innovative approach aimed at enhancing the robustness of superhydrophobic nanocomposite coatings through the utilization of a straightforward dual spraying technique. The results demonstrate that the particles with hierarchical micro/nanostructures fabricated by the primary spraying process provide abundant roughness feedstocks for the secondary‐sprayed coatings, in which superhydrophobicity properties can be achieved with less NP content. Additionally, the mechanical durability of the coatings can be reinforced by the addition of appropriate amounts of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) NPs and the continuous‐distributed particles fabricated by the primary‐spraying process, exhibiting a longer abrasion distance and a higher retention rate. Also, the prepared sample shows comprehensive robustness in adhesion, abrasion, and dynamic impact tests. By offering insights into material selection and process optimization, this study paves the way for creating resilient superhydrophobic coatings using a streamlined and convenient approach.

High performance bimetallic ZIF-CoZn@PVDF-HFP composite nanofiber membrane for membrane distillation based on coaxial electrospinning technology

Membrane Distillation (MD) technology stands out for its cost-effectiveness and sustainability in diverse applications, such as high-salinity wastewater treatment and seawater desalination. However, conventional MD membranes frequently encounter challenges associated with inadequate permeate flux and insufficient anti-wetting performance. In the present study, we fabricated a series of ZIF-CoZn@PVDF-HFP composite nanofiber membranes with a core–shell structure via coaxial electrospinning. Here, PVDF-HFP functions as the core, while a blend of bimetallic Zeolitic imidazolate framework ZIF-CoZn nanoparticles and PVDF-HFP constitutes the shell. Through the utilization of the coaxial technology, functional nanoparticles achieve uniform and stably dispersed on the nanofiber surface, leading to the creation of a secondary rough structure in addition to the inherent roughness of single-nozzle electrospinning. This results in a surface with a 3D-hierarchical structure. The significantly amplifies the evaporation area on the surface of the composite nanofiber membrane, thereby bolstering the permeate flux in the MD process. Additionally, the incorporation of bimetallic ZIF-CoZn nanoparticles, recognized for their superior hydrophobicity and low thermal conductivity, improves the anti-wetting and heat-insulating properties of the composite nanofiber membrane, further advancing permeate flux performance. Using a 35 g L−1 NaCl as the feed solution, the optimal 1 % ZIF-CoZn@PVDF-HFP composite nanofiber membrane demonstrated a permeate flux of 21.8 L m−2 h−1, coupled with a salt rejection rate exceeding 99.9 %. Even during long-term MD testing, it maintained excellent insulation and anti-wetting capabilities. Our research offers a convenient and effective approach for fabricating anti-wetting composite nanofiber membranes.