Nanofibrous alginate membrane coated with cellulose nanowhiskers for water purification

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a filtration membrane based on two-layered nanoscale alginate nanofibres reinforced with maize cellulose nanowhiskers (diameter between 3 and 12 nm). Reinforcing of the membrane with cellulose nanowhiskers improved the mechanical properties of the membrane. The membrane was capable of completely removing water contaminants (10–100 nm nanoparticles) by size exclusion and oil/water retention higher than 99%. The rejection of chromium was found to increase with an increase in the feed solution pH. The rejection percentage for chromium (Cr(VI)) at a pH of 11 was found to be 80%, which shows that the membrane can be applied for short-termwaste-water treatment and/or domestic water purification.