Innovations and challenges in nanofiber membranes for water treatment

Electrospun nanofiber membranes represent a rapidly advancing frontier in water purification, showing significant potential for both desalination and complex wastewater treatment applications. Conventional membrane technologies have long faced limitations such as fouling, restricted separation efficiency, and reduced long-term operational stability. In response, increasing research attention has shifted toward electrospun membranes, especially those with advanced architectures like double-layer nanofibrous membranes and bioinspired (natural-mimetic) designs. Recent studies have highlighted their superior mechanical strength, tunable porosity, and enhanced capability for selective contaminant removal. However, notable knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding the intricate relationships between material composition, structural configuration, and functional performance under realistic operational conditions. Moreover, emerging research underscores the importance of surface modification strategies to further enhance membrane properties, stability, and overall process efficiency.

This topic seeks to systematically investigate the mechanisms, materials, and technological innovations that emphasize the advancement and practical deployment of electrospun nanofiber membranes in water treatment. Its central objectives include evaluating the process performance, structural properties and operational stability of advanced electrospun membranes, as well as identifying the key physicochemical parameters that enhance separation efficiency and permeability. Additionally, this topic aims to address existing uncertainties surrounding long-term stability, scalability, and the integration of these materials into large-scale treatment systems, ultimately contributing to the development of next-generation water purification technologies.

To gain deeper insights into expanding the applications of electrospun nanofiber membranes, while addressing their existing limitations and optimizing operational parameters, we invite contributions that explore, but are not limited to, the following themes:

- Nanofiber membrane engineering for desalination and wastewater treatment

- Material selection and role of polymer chemistry, including the use of green solvents and biopolymers

- Influence of hydrophilicity, pore structure, and surface characteristics on permeate flux and contaminant removal efficiency

- Post-treatment nanofibrer modifications and their impact on mechanical strength and functional performance

- Long-term operational stability and fouling resistance under realistic water treatment conditions

- Techno-economic evaluations and scalability challenges for industrial implementation

- Innovative testing methodologies assessing nanofibrous membranes.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Keywords: Electrospun nanofiber membranes, desalination, double-layer, hydrophilicity, permeate flux, gamma radiation, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.