Advancing Surface-Enhanced Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes: Customizing Properties for Enhanced Performance in Membrane Distillation

Abstract

Electrospun nanofiber membranes (ENMs) have emerged as a cutting-edge solution for membrane distillation (MD), recognized for their highly porous and interconnected architecture. This distinctive structure enables them to offer minimal mass transfer resistance, making them exceptionally suited for high-efficiency membrane-based separation processes. However, the very porosity that defines their strength also renders them vulnerable to fouling, scaling, and wetting during operation, which in turn compromises their performance. Current research efforts are geared toward overcoming these obstacles by refining the surface design and characteristics of ENMs. This review delves into the latest advancements in surface-enhanced electrospun nanofiber membranes tailored for MD applications. It discusses the existing gaps in research and provides forward-looking insights into the future of ENMs, spotlighting the development of membranes with precisely tunable surface attributes for optimized performance.