Recent advances in functionalized electrospun nanofiber membranes for enhanced oily water treatment

Oily wastewater is recognized as a significant environmental pollutant due to its diverse sources and harmful impacts on ecosystems, human health, and water resources. Electrospun nanofibrous membranes (ENMs) have emerged as a promising solution, offering high separation efficiency and ease of operation for oily water treatment. Despite these advantages, achieving consistent and effective oil-water separation remains challenging due to fouling, where oil molecules adhere to membrane surfaces, reducing water flux and rejection capabilities. This review addresses gaps in the literature by highlighting recent advancements in ENMs, specifically membranes with tailored superwetting properties (superhydrophobic/superoleophobic or superhydrophilic/superoleophobic), to enhance antifouling performance and improve separation efficiency. This review examines the latest advancements in ENM fabrication, including optimizing electrospinning parameters such as voltage, flow rate, and fiber morphology to elevate membrane performance. Critical developments in incorporating advanced nanomaterials, such as graphene-based composites and metal oxides, are discussed, highlighting their role in enhancing membrane wettability and durability. This review offers a distinct perspective by providing an in-depth analysis of how ENMs surpass conventional membranes, particularly in terms of water flux, oil rejection rate, and fouling resistance, offering new insights into their performance and potential applications. Additionally, we highlight ENM-based systems designed explicitly for oil-water emulsions, emphasizing the importance of surface properties in maintaining stable separation. Overall, this comprehensive analysis aims to advance the development of ENM technologies to meet the increasing demands of oily wastewater treatment. • Electrospun nanofibrous membranes (ENMs) for efficient and sustainable oily water cleanup. • Optimized electrospinning parameters improve efficiency in pollutant removal. • Superwetting ENMs enhance antifouling performance and oil-water separation. • Integration with renewable energy enhances eco-friendly wastewater solutions. • Nanomaterials like graphene-based composites improve ENM durability and wettability