Assessment and optimization of electrospun nanofiber-membranes in a membrane bioreactor (MBR)

The feasibility and optimization of low-cost nanofiber-membranes as potential MBR-membranes is studied. The nanofiber-membranes have a unique surface architecture, a high surface porosity and permeability and adjustable pore sizes. The materials, their heat treatment as well as the diameters and area-weights of nanofiber sheets were optimized. The comparative performance of a nanofiber-membrane to lab-made polysulfone (PSFL) and commercial polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDFT) and polyethylene (PEK) membranes was performed. The critical flux (CF) and trans membrane pressure (TMP) profiles were used as evaluation parameters. A heat treatment was efficient to prevent layered fouling on the nanofiber-sheets. The electrospun nanofiber-membranes showed performances comparable to those of the tested commercial membranes at short and long term. Further developments on nanofiber-membranes are still required to further improve their performance and enhance their competitiveness in MBRs applications.

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• The feasibility and initial optimization of nanofiber-membranes as MBR-membranes is studied.
• A heat treatment was efficient to prevent severe fouling of the nanofiber-membrane.
• The nanofiber-membranes showed performances comparable to traditional membranes.