Electrospun nanofibrous filtration membrane

Abstract

This paper explores the viability of developing a fibrous membrane via electrospun nanofibrous web for liquid separation and demonstrates its applicability in particulate removal. Polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers were electrospun into membranes and characterized to relate its structural properties to membrane separation properties and performance. Characterization of these electrospun membranes revealed that they have similar properties to that of conventional microfiltration membranes. The electrospun membranes were used to separate 1, 5 and 10 μm polystyrene particles. The electrospun membranes were successful in rejecting more than 90% of the micro-particles from solution. This work opens up the avenue of exploring the use of nanofibers for more mainstream application in the separation technology as a potential membrane for pre-treatment of water prior to reverse osmosis or as pre-filters to minimize fouling and contamination prior to ultra- or nano-filtration. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.