Page 452 - Polymer-based Nanocomposites for Energy and Environmental Applications

Nanocomposite membrane for environmental remediation 409

from nanomaterials using nanometal particles, nanocarbon tubes, and nonmetal
particles [19].
In view of the importance of water quality and developing services of nanotechno-
logy, promoting different nanomaterials presents a lot of chances to develop practical
solutions to remediate global water pollution. Attempts have been made to discuss
with each aspects of water treatment by adsorption using nanomaterials, although
many excellent review articles have been published so far discussing the importance
of nanomaterials in water treatment and environmental remediation.
Currently, the most extensively studied nanomaterials for water and wastewater
treatment mainly include zero-valent metal nanoparticles, metal oxides nanoparticles,
carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and nanocomposites.
At the current study, attempts have been made to summarize, to demonstrate, and to
compile the significant results of different types of nanomaterials used in wastewater
treatment as either photocatalysts, antibacterial agents, or hybrid techniques for the
removal/degradation of toxic aquatic pollutants.

15.2 Carbon nanofiber membrane

Membrane filtration technology synthesized from nanomaterials is one of the most
effective approaches among the available advanced wastewater treatment systems
[26,27]. Since membrane filtration technology is better, in terms of quality treated
water, proper disinfection and minimum space requirement for the plant are the main
reasons for the implementation of this technology [28]. Furthermore, it is greatly eco-
nomical, cost-effective, and simple in design compared with other available treatment
methods [28,29]. For effective removal of dyes, heavy metals, and other pollutants
present in wastewater, nanomembrane separation approach is useful for wastewater
treatment [29].
Currently, the available existing conventional membrane technology for water
purification system, for example, carbon nanotube membrane technology, ceramic
membrane technology, nanocomposite membranes, supported ionic liquid mem-
branes, and hollow fiber membranes, has some major constraints. Therefore, carbon
nanofiber membrane technology has gained much more attention among the
researchers.
The main objective of water treatment is to eliminate undesired contaminants
from water. Membrane technology offers a physical obstacle for such ingredients
based on their size, allowing the use of unconventional water sources. The major
purpose of water treatment and reuse requires small space and chemical use [30].
Nanofiber membranes have broad-spectrum applications in wastewater treatment
containing particulate microbes and salts (desalination) and heavy metals. It is
reported that electrospun polysulfone (PSf) fiber membrane was used to remove
the particles from biotreated wastewater. The main purpose was to minimize the
COD level, ammonia, and suspended solids from wastewater. The utilization of
nanofiber and composite nanostructure membranes may degrade a broad spectrum
of organic and inorganic impurities in a water purification process. The arrangement