Electrospun nanofibers of α-hematite/polyacrylonitrile/calcium carbonate/cellulose triacetate as a multifunctional platform in, wastewater treatment and remineralisation

Improving the properties of polymeric membranes for water filtration have inspired a lot of interest due to the undesirable long-term impacts. Some of the most recent achievements in this sector are the development of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) and thin-film nanocomposites (TFNs). Here we describe the development of a novel cellulose triacetate nanofiber membrane made of α-Fe2O3/polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/CaCO3/cellulose triacetate (CTA). This multi-functional membrane is capable of adsorption and removal of heavy metal ions as well as organic pollutants, photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and remineralisation of water. Further, the membrane showed very good stability in the pH regime of 3–9 (environmental interest) and in different solvents. Moreover, the membrane could sustainably remineralize water with calcium (95 mg/L) up to 7 days. The adsorption abilities of the α-Fe2O3/PAN/CaCO3/CTA (FPCC) nanofiber membrane for lead and copper were 91 % and 77 % percent for 100 mg/L initial concentration of lead and copper, according to the results. Methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange, (MO) two organic contaminants that pollute water, are removed effectively at the rate of 96 % and 95 %, respectively. The development of such a multi-functional membrane opens up a new opportunity for solving drinking water concerns in the context of environmental remediation.