A joule-heated PTFE-CNT composite membrane fabricated by solution blow spinning for enhanced ammonia recovery

A novel Joule-heated polytetrafluoroethylene‑carbon nanotube (PTFE-CNT) composite membrane was fabricated via solution blow spinning (SBS). The resulting membrane exhibited superhydrophobicity (152° water contact angle), good electrical conductivity (62.2 S/m), and high porosity (76 %). Application of 15 V induced Joule heating, raising the dry-state membrane temperature to 95 °C and yielding a 2.95-fold enhancement in ammonia flux alongside a 4.76-fold increase in the mass transfer coefficient compared to a commercial PTFE membrane under identical conditions. The membrane's hierarchical micro/ nanoscale porosity—achieved through a 15 wt% CNT loading—facilitated ammonia transport, while localized heating shifted NH 4 + /NH 3 equilibrium toward NH 3 , further accelerating mass transport. This approach eliminates the need for bulk heating and offers an energy-efficient alternative to ammonia recovery. • Joule-heated PTFE-CNT membrane boosts ammonia flux by up to 2.95-fold. • High porosity (76 %) and WCA >150° achieved via solution blow spinning. • Novel dual-level hierarchy porous structures enhances ammonia gas transport. • High CNT loading (15 wt%) enables localized membrane heating to 95.5 °C. • Mass transfer coefficient reached 4.76-fold versus commercial PTFE