Abstract
Electrospinning is a versatile technique for the fabrication of nanofibrous, nanostructured composite membranes for a large number of applications. This mini-review focuses on electrospun membranes for various MD configurations. We provide a background to the electrospinning process, recent developments, and the potential of the electrospinning technique to steer MD towards commercialization. In particular, we focus on advances in electrospun nanofiber and nanocomposite membranes made with polymers, polymer composites, and other materials for MD. Various techniques used for enhancing the characteristics of electrospun MD membranes such as the incorporation of nanomaterials and other post-treatment methods are briefed in this article. Studies on fouling and pore wetting mitigation in electrospun MD membranes have also been reviewed. Finally, various aspects of electrospun nanofibers and nanocomposite membranes for MD process application are reviewed along with the future direction of research in electrospun MD membranes. It is important to have large-scale electrospun efficient MD membranes for large-scale MD modules.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 115511 |
Journal | Desalination |
Volume | 526 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 15 2022 |
Keywords
- Electrospinning
- Membrane distillation
- Membrane fouling
- Nanocomposite membranes
- Nanomaterials
- Pore wetting
- Post treatment
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Chemistry
- General Chemical Engineering
- General Materials Science
- Water Science and Technology
- Mechanical Engineering