The potential of nanofibers and nanobiocides in water purification

Abstract

Electrospun nanofibers and nanobiocides show potential in the improvement of water filtration membranes. Biofouling of membranes caused by the bacterial load in water reduces the quality of drinking water and has become a major problem. Several studies showed inhibition of these bacteria after exposure to nanofibers with functionalized surfaces. Nanobiocides such as metal nanoparticles and engineered nanomaterials are successfully incorporated into nanofibers showing high antimicrobial activity and stability in water. Research on the applications of nanofibers and nanobiocides in water purification, the fabrication thereof and recently published patents are reviewed in this article.

Keywords::

• Nanofibers
• Electrospinning
• Nanobiocides, Water purification
• Water filtration systems
• Antibacterial activity

Declaration of interest: Herewith we would like to thank the National Research Foundation (NRF) and ESKOM South Africa for funding.