Microfiltration membranes developed from nanofibers via an electrospinning process

Membranes act as a barrier in the separation of two distinct phases, usually under a driving force, such as a pressure or concentration gradient. Compared to other types of conventional separation processes, membranes have such advantages as centrifugation, sedimentation, low energy and operating costs and high process efficiency. Therefore, nanofiber membranes developed via an electrospinning process were explored as microfiltration media in the separation of microparticles. Polyacrylonitrile nanofibers, with an average diameter of 580 ± 57 nm, were developed via the electrospinning process. The nanofiber membranes resulted in a hydrophilic nanostructured material with a porosity of approximately 79.5% and a pure water flow of ∼19,500 L h−1 m−2. Efficient filtration was achieved with total retention of particles of diameter ∼1.75 μm using a 146 μm membrane. The electrospinning process enables the production of nanofiber membranes with potential applicability for efficient separation of microparticles in suspension.