Multifunctional Membranes—A Versatile Approach for Emerging Pollutants Removal
Ecaterina Matei,
Cristina Ileana Covaliu-Mierla,
Anca Andreea Ţurcanu,
Maria Râpă,
Andra Mihaela Predescu,
Cristian Predescu
Affiliations
Ecaterina Matei
Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 313 Spl. Independetei, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Cristina Ileana Covaliu-Mierla
Faculty of Biotechnical Systems Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 313 Spl. Independentei, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Anca Andreea Ţurcanu
Center for Research and Eco-Metallurgical Expertise, Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 313 Spl. Independetei, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Maria Râpă
Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 313 Spl. Independetei, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Andra Mihaela Predescu
Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 313 Spl. Independetei, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Cristian Predescu
Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 313 Spl. Independetei, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
This paper presents a comprehensive literature review surveying the most important polymer materials used for electrospinning processes and applied as membranes for the removal of emerging pollutants. Two types of processes integrate these membrane types: separation processes, where electrospun polymers act as a support for thin film composites (TFC), and adsorption as single or coupled processes (photo-catalysis, advanced oxidation, electrochemical), where a functionalization step is essential for the electrospun polymer to improve its properties. Emerging pollutants (EPs) released in the environment can be efficiently removed from water systems using electrospun membranes. The relevant results regarding removal efficiency, adsorption capacity, and the size and porosity of the membranes and fibers used for different EPs are described in detail.
