Valorization of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Plastic Wastes as Nanofibrous Membranes for Oil Removal: Sustainable Solution for Plastic Waste and Oil Pollution

Abstract

The accumulation of plastic wastes has become a global environmental issue, because of their ever-growing production, slow degradation, and potential environmental hazards. Consequently, reducing their presence in the environment by upcycling has sparked tremendous research interest. Herein, we report the valorization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) plastic wastes to produce nanofibrous adsorptive membranes for their applications in oil removal. In this study, plastic wastes derived from PET bottles were dissolved in trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) or a TFA/ dichloromethane (DCM) binary solvent system and then electrospun into nanofibrous recycled PET (rPET) membranes. The nanofiber morphology was tuned by adjusting the polymer concentration. The nanofibers produced via electrospinning from TFA solutions were more uniform than those produced using TFA/DCM. The influence of acid-mediated recycling on the PET structure was explored via thermogravimetric and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. A dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the membranes exhibited high flexibility with effective Young's moduli. The sorption capacities of the nanofibrous PET membranes for crude oil, diesel, gasoline, and pump oil were 22.9 ± 2, 19.6 ± 1.8, 11.1 ± 1, and 19.3 ± 1.6 g g −1 , respectively. The membrane could be recycled by squeezing and reused five times for oil removal while maintaining an sorption capacity of >75%. After the sorption tests, an apparent increase in the fiber diameter was observed due to the oil uptake into the fiber matrix. The present study provides a sustainable solution to plastic and oil pollution management, minimizing the production of new carbonbased materials and lowering carbon emissions. This work aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, specifically, Goal #12 on responsible consumption and production and #14 on life below water.

Immobilized Bacterial Cells on Electrospun Nanofibers for Crude Oil Spills Treatment and Bioremediation

“…[26] Moreover, after the adsorption of oil, the nanofibers retain their structure and integrity [23][24][25][26][27] as shown in Figure 7. [27]…”

“…Nanofibers have been utilized in oil sorption for different environments with promising results. [23][24][25][26][27] Oil sorption tests reveal the impact of nanofiber morphology on the adsorption of oil with crumpled nanofibers exhibiting highest adsorption capacity [23] . Their ultra-thin and large surface area is particularly useful in immobilization of bacteria as it facilitates diffusion of nutrients to the cells environment and also evacuation of exudates thus preventing development of toxins that would kill the bacteria.…”

“…This is principally due to enviable factors such as their large surface area, biocompatibility, extensive porosity, mechanical strength, flexibility, and tunable surface properties. Nanofibers have been utilized in oil sorption for different environments with promising results [23–27] . Oil sorption tests reveal the impact of nanofiber morphology on the adsorption of oil with crumpled nanofibers exhibiting highest adsorption capacity [23] .…”

Hollow Fiber Membrane for Organic Solvent Nanofiltration: A Mini Review

“…From a sustainable and green point of view, the major membrane manufacturing processes are environmentally unfriendly [ 130 ]. In recent years, many published papers have reported on sustainable, environmentally friendly membrane materials and membrane preparation processes [ 52 , 61 , 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 , 135 , 136 , 137 , 138 , 139 , 140 , 141 , 142 ]. It is foreseeable that one of the common areas for future HF OSN membrane R&D should be the green and sustainable preparation of HF OSN membranes.…”

From polyethylene waste bottles to UIO-66 (Zr) for preconcentration of steroid hormones from river water

“…In 2015, about 6400 million tons of plastics were made, and only 9% was recycled, 12% was burnt, 79% was accumulated in land lls, and if these trends continue, roughly 12000 million tons will be contaminating the environment [40]. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most produced and used polymers in the world, which contributed to the contamination largely by the packaging industry [41]. To minimize pollution, plastic wastes were recycled for making PET ligands for UIO-66(Zr).…”