The main objective of this research is to use the photocatalytic properties of PES/TiO2 nanofibers membranes to remove the phenol as a toxic pollutant in various effluents. The uniform fibers in terms of minimum bead formation and fibers diameter were fabricated. Therefore, more TiO2 catalysts are on the surface of the fibers which increase the active surface area of nanoparticles and consequently improve the phenol degradation efficiency. The effects of TiO2 concentration on hydrophilicity, mechanical properties, porosity, mean pore size, and water flux of membranes were studied. The PES/TiO2 nanofibers were evaluated for phenol degradation under UVA irradiation through a transparent membrane module. The amount of removable phenol was analyzed with high‐performance liquid chromatography. Central composite design was used as a statistical experimental design. Finally, the effect of TiO2 content in nanofibers and initial phenol concentrations were investigated as well as pH values in synthetic wastewater, on phenol degradation. The results from analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis indicated that TiO2 content in nanofibers was the most important and effective parameter on phenol degradation. It was also presented that there is no significant interaction between parameters so that the effect of each parameter was investigated separately. Maximum phenol degradation was 43.0 ± 0.3% and found under conditions of TiO2 content, initial phenol concentration, and pH value of 8%, 120 ppm, and 7, respectively.
Biodegradable membranes with innovative antifouling properties are emerging as possible substitutes for conventional membranes. These types of membranes have the potential to be applied in a wide range of applications, from water treatment to food packaging and energy production. Nevertheless, there are several existing challenges and limitations associated with the use of biodegradable membranes in large scale applications, and further studies are required to determine the degradation mechanisms and their scalability. Biodegradable membranes can be produced from either renewable natural resources or synthesized from low-molecular monomers that increase the number of possible structures and, as a result, greatly expand the membrane application possibilities. This study focused on bio-sourced and synthesized biodegradable polymers as green membrane materials. Moreover, the article highlighted the excellent antifouling properties of biodegradable membranes that assist in improving membrane lifetime during filtration processes, preventing chemical/biological disposal due to frequent cleaning processes and ultimately reducing the maintenance cost. The industrial and biomedical applications of biodegradable membranes were also summarized, along with their limitations. Finally, an overview of challenges and future trends regarding the use of biodegradable membranes in various industries was thoroughly analyzed.
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