Electrospun Polyurethane Nanofiber Membranes for Microplastic and Nanoplastic Separation

Abstract

Multifunctional materials for industrial wastewater treatment are in high demand due to the contamination of microand nanoplastics (MNPs) and dyes. Herein, we demonstrate a polyurethane-based (PU) electrospun composite membrane for MNP separation and selective methylene blue (MB) adsorption. The optimized 20 wt % graphene oxide-montmorillonite (GO-Mt)-loaded nanofibrous composite membrane (20-PGT) exhibited its superhydrophilicity with a water contact angle of 0°and high water flux. It displayed a maximum pressure-driven water flow of 8163 L m −2 h −1 and a gravity-driven water flux of 793 L m −2 h −1 . Three model MNPs, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with various sizes, have been demonstrated. The adsorptive separation and size-exclusive interception mechanisms were observed for nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs), respectively. Cake formation, intermediate blocking, and standard blocking mechanisms were followed during the filtration of ABS MPs, PMMA NPs, and PS NPs, respectively. Additionally, the composite membrane exhibited selective MB adsorption from the mixture of dyes, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 417 mg g −1 . Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics define the adsorption isotherm and adsorption kinetics, respectively. The fabricated, robust fibrous composite membrane opens a wider door for the removal of MNPs and MB from contaminated water.

Development of crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol nanofibrous membrane for microplastic removal from water

“…Juraij et al developed a polyurethane‐based membrane for the removal of MPs and NPs from water and reported adsorption and size‐exclusion as major mechanisms for their removal. Nonetheless, the use of synthetic polymers in this study raises concerns regarding the potential of plastic release by the membrane itself 29 …”

“…Nonetheless, the use of synthetic polymers in this study raises concerns regarding the potential of plastic release by the membrane itself. 29 Considering the potential for the use of UF for drinking water treatment, this study developed and evaluated an advanced nanofibrous web, produced using a biocompatible polymer, for the removal of the MPs from drinking water. PVA was selected because of its nontoxicity, low cost, and feasible electrospinning.…”

Removal of Plastics from Micron Size to Nanoscale Using Wood Filter

“…Membrane materials are crucial to nano-/microplastics’ separating properties and scale application. Generally, polymeric membranes and ceramic membranes are widely used in the removal of nano-/microplastics from water [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. In a study conducted by Xu et al [ 23 ], both polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyethersulfone (PES) membranes were utilized for the extraction of microplastics from lake water, achieving an impressive removal rate of 92%.…”