Nanofibrous alginate membrane coated with cellulose nanowhiskers for water purification

The aim of this study was to develop a filtration membrane based on two-layered nanoscale alginate nanofibres reinforced with maize cellulose nanowhiskers (diameter between 3 and 12 nm). Reinforcing of the membrane with cellulose nanowhiskers improved the mechanical properties of the membrane. The membrane was capable of completely removing water contaminants (10-100 nm nanoparticles) by size exclusion and oil/water retention higher than 99%. The rejection of chromium was found to increase with an increase in the feed solution pH. The rejection percentage for chromium (Cr(VI)) at a pH of 11 was found to be 80%, which shows that the membrane can be applied for short-term waste-water treatment and/or domestic water purification.