1
Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Baghdad
2
Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, university of Baghdad
10.22059/poll.2025.395374.2937
Abstract
This study reports the fabrication and performance evaluation of electrospun nanofiber membranes made from recycled acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)) for use in air gap membrane distillation (AGMD) systems targeting high-salinity brine desalination. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirmed that the membranes possessed a uniform, highly porous nanofibrous structure with interconnected pores conducive to vapor transport. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) revealed a rough surface morphology, while water contact angle measurements exceeding 121° indicated excellent hydrophobicity, critical for effective liquid, vapor separation. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) verified the preservation of key ester functional groups, confirming the chemical integrity of the recycled acrylic. Performance testing was conducted under various feed temperatures (45–65 °C), flow rates (0.2–0.4 L/min), NaCl concentrations (35–140 g/L), and air gap distances (6–9 mm). The membranes achieved a maximum flux of 9.2 kg/m²·h at 65 °C and 0.4 L/min. As expected, higher salt concentrations reduced flux due to lower vapor pressure and increased concentration polarization. Despite variations in operating conditions, salt rejection consistently exceeded 99.994%, demonstrating excellent selectivity and operational stability. These results highlight the potential of recycled acrylic-based nanofiber membranes as a sustainable and high-performance solution for brine desalination using AGMD.
Mohammed, S. Naser and Waisi, B. Ismael (2025). Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes from Recycled Acrylic for High-Salinity Brine Desalination via Air Gap Membrane Distillation. Pollution, (), -. doi: 10.22059/poll.2025.395374.2937
MLA
Mohammed, S. Naser, and Waisi, B. Ismael. "Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes from Recycled Acrylic for High-Salinity Brine Desalination via Air Gap Membrane Distillation", Pollution, , , 2025, -. doi: 10.22059/poll.2025.395374.2937
HARVARD
Mohammed, S. Naser, Waisi, B. Ismael (2025). 'Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes from Recycled Acrylic for High-Salinity Brine Desalination via Air Gap Membrane Distillation', Pollution, (), pp. -. doi: 10.22059/poll.2025.395374.2937
CHICAGO
S. Naser Mohammed and B. Ismael Waisi, "Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes from Recycled Acrylic for High-Salinity Brine Desalination via Air Gap Membrane Distillation," Pollution, (2025): -, doi: 10.22059/poll.2025.395374.2937
VANCOUVER
Mohammed, S. Naser, Waisi, B. Ismael Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes from Recycled Acrylic for High-Salinity Brine Desalination via Air Gap Membrane Distillation. Pollution, 2025; (): -. doi: 10.22059/poll.2025.395374.2937
)