7. Advances in Electrospun Nanostructured Membranes for Wastewater Treatments: Challenges and Opportunities

The chapter delves into the latest developments in electrospun nanostructured membranes (ENMs) for wastewater treatment, addressing the growing need for effective water purification strategies. It begins by discussing the accelerated population growth and increased demand for water, which has intensified interest in developing efficient wastewater treatment systems. Conventional treatment methods, such as absorption and filtration, are explored, along with the advantages and disadvantages of polymer membranes. The electrospinning technique is highlighted as a promising method for fabricating ENMs, offering high control over fiber diameter and uniformity. The chapter also covers the dynamic mechanisms involved in the electrospinning process, the classification of ENMs, and the challenges faced during their fabrication. Specific applications of ENMs in wastewater treatment, such as dye removal from the textile industry, desalination, oil/water separation, and antibacterial treatments, are discussed in detail. The chapter concludes by identifying the challenges and opportunities in the field, emphasizing the need for scalable and cost-effective processes to produce multifunctional ENMs for wastewater treatment.