Electrospun mixed matrix nanofiber membranes for sustainable dye removal from textile wastewater

The removal of crystal violet (CV) dye from textile industrial wastewater is critical due to its toxicity, carcinogenic properties, and environmental persistence. Among various treatment methods, membrane-based technologies, particularly nanofiltration, have emerged as efficient solutions due to their high selectivity, permeability, and energy efficiency. This study focuses on developing a mixed matrix membrane platform through the incorporation of polyethersulfone (PES) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer blend with nanomaterial such as Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-67 (ZIF-67) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) filler, and compared it with graphene oxide (GO), and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP). The integration of ZIF-67 significantly improves dye rejection rates, water flux, and antifouling properties through enhanced adsorption mechanisms and removal efficiency. Electrospinning mixed matrix nanofibers further augments removal efficiency by providing a high surface area and porosity, enabling superior dye adsorption. Experimental results reveal the membranes' hydrophilicity, morphology, and stability using a cross-flow nanofiltration process. The findings demonstrate that the optimized polymeric matrix and MOF-67 enhanced membrane performance and achieved high dye removal efficiency with the PES + PVDF / ZIF-67 membrane with 3% ZIF-67. As a result of ZIF-67 incorporation, CV dye separation rejection increased from 57.8% to 99.1%. The M6 blend membrane exhibits good durability properties overthe experimental test period, providing a sustainable and effective solution for wastewater treatment in the textile and related industries. • Electrospun mixed matrix nanofiber membranes developed using MOF, graphene oxide, and graphene nanoplatelets. • Electrospinning provided high surface area and porosity, enabling superior performance. • MOF incorporation significantly enhanced dye rejection • MOF-enhanced membranes offer a sustainable solution for efficient textile wastewater treatment.