Physicochemical characteristics of polysulfone nanofiber membranes with iron oxide nanoparticles via electrospinning

Abstract

Hydrophilicity is one of the ideal properties for water treatment membrane. In addition, higher surface area with a porous structure results in extraordinary permeability and selectivity, thus making it a good candidate for water permeability. This study used iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) as polysulfone (PSf) membrane nanofillers to enhance the physicochemical properties. Nanofiber membranes were characterized in terms of morphology, wettability, and pure water permeability (PWP). The concentration of IONPs was varied from 0.5% to 2.0% (w/v). From the scanning electron microscope images, all produced membranes were smooth and contain bead-free nanofibers. The produced nanofiber membrane with 1% (w/v) of IONPs concentration was found to be optimum since it had the highest porosity, lower contact angle, and desirable fiber thickness and diameter. In order to find the best PSf solution concentration, the loadings of PSf were varied from 18% to 27% (w/v). The PSf/IONPs with 25% (w/v) provided the best results in terms of fiber thickness and diameter, porosity and morphology. The contact angle also confirmed that in the presence of IONPs, the nanofiber structure produced with 25% PSf was less hydrophobic and had the highest PWP (70.27 L/m2 h bar).