Parametric optimization of poly(ether sulfone) electrospun membrane for effective oil/water separation

Abstract Electrospinning is a technique that can produce cost‐efficient, large output, very permeable membranes with high surface‐to‐mass ratio, and be used for many different applications. In this research, poly(ether sulfone) (PES) electrospun fibers were prepared for potential application in oil/water separation. A comprehensive investigation was carried out to study how the performance of the electrospun fibers is influenced by various operating conditions and the composition of the solution. The electrospun mats were evaluated by SEM, tensile test, TGA, and water contact angle techniques. The morphology of the fabricated membranes has been altered due to changes in the process and solution parameters. This alteration is evident when comparing mats that have been solely electrospray to those with the highest density of junctions between the nanofibers. Due to the utilization of a combination of solvents, namely N,N‐dimethylformamide, and N‐methyl‐pyrrolidinone (DMF/NMP), the mechanical properties of the fabricated membranes were enhanced. With this trick, a membrane with a tensile strength of 8.9 MPa was obtained, which had a relatively good performance in oil/water separation. This enhancement occurs through the improved fusion of inter‐fiber junction points, which is facilitated by the presence of NMP, a high vapor pressure component, in the solvent mixture. Thermal analysis showed suitable thermal stability for a model of prepared membranes. The prepared PES membrane in optimum electrospinning condition, was used in the oil/water separation process and was found to be 80% efficient. Oil/water separation experiments for PES showed its bright future in the treatment of oil/water wastewater. Highlights The effect of solution and process parameters was studied on PES electrospinning. The tensile strength of the membrane was improved by using DMF/NMP solvent. The PES membrane showed its bright future in the oil/water separation.