Utilization of silver-modified ostrich eggshell membrane in pervaporation for liquid fuel desulfurization

• First Use of Ostrich Eggshell Membrane for fuel desulfurization via pervaporation. • Silver Nanoparticle Modification creates a highly effective surface for targeting benzothiophene. • Transformation of a Waste Material into an efficient, sustainable separation membrane. Sulfur compounds in crude oil cause significant corrosion and environmental pollution, driving the need for effective desulfurization. This study introduces, for the first time, a novel bio-membrane derived from the natural, protein-rich inner membrane of an ostrich eggshell (OESM) for pervaporative desulfurization. The pristine OESM demonstrated an inherent benzothiophene (BT) removal efficiency of 84.7% from a 500 ppm model fuel. To enhance performance, the membrane was modified with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) via in-situ reduction by the membrane's hydroxyl groups. Comprehensive characterization by Raman spectroscopy, SEM-EDX, and XRD confirmed successful AgNP deposition with uniform distribution. The AgNP-modified membrane (Ag@OESM) achieved a remarkable 100% BT removal with an infinite enrichment factor and a permeation flux of 33.67 kg·m⁻²·h⁻¹ at room temperature. This exceptional performance is attributed to enhanced π-complexation between the AgNPs and the aromatic sulfur compound, facilitated by the membrane's preserved fibrous structure. In contrast, modifications with polydopamine reduced efficiency due to pore blockage. The Ag@OESM membrane combines high efficiency, operational simplicity, and a sustainable origin from waste material, presenting a pioneering advance in green separation technology.