Future applications of electrospun nanofibers in pressure driven water treatment: A brief review and research update

Nanotechnology, in terms of nanomaterials e.g. nanoparticles, polymeric nanomaterials, 2D nanosheets, or electrospun nanofibrous membranes, nanocomposites for desalination or water-treatment applications, is an emerging concept that has rapidly grown in interest as a method for improving the water quality. With the increasing knowledge of nanomaterial fabrication techniques, researchers throughout the globe are targeting more on the synthesis and manufacturing processes of nanomaterials for various applications. The process of electrospinning for making nanofibers completely allows synthetic and natural polymers incorporating different functional materials. Recently, scientists have proposed various types of electrospun membranes using fluorinated polymers and hydrocarbon polymers because of their intrinsic hydrophobicity. Electrospun membranes have been researched in several types of membrane separation and water purification processes. The application of electrospun nanofiber membranes in water purification constituting a primary research axis and experiments that have already been conducted in various laboratories are reviewed in this paper. In this review, recent updates are reviewed concerning the different applications of desalination and water treatment. Additionally, critical comments and the future of nanofiber applications in desalination and water treatment have been given in this review. [Display omitted] •Recent updates on water desalination.•Future applications of electrospun nanofiber in water treatment, purification, separation, and desalination.•Critical comments on membrane separation.•Proposed design of nanofiber module for desalination.•Electrospun nanofibers.