Membranes based on electrospun lignin-zeolite composite nanofibers

Lignin-zeolite composite nanofiber membranes were prepared by the electrospinning technique. The membranes were characterized in terms of morphology, mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, permeation, and particulate separation performance. The experimental results indicated that lignin-zeolite composite nanofiber membranes exhibited significant differences in surface properties and mechanical properties because of the addition of inorganic particles. Adding one weight percent of zeolite nanoparticles improved the tensile strength, tensile modulus, hydrophilicity, permeability, and separation factor of the membranes. However, the addition of higher weight percent of zeolite nanoparticles resulted in the decline of mechanical properties, permeability, and particulate retention. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.