Electrospun polyimide nanofiber membranes for high flux and low fouling microfiltration applications

A newly developed electrospun polyimide nanofiber mat/membrane along with three commercial 0.22 µm microfiltration membranes have been investigated for applications within a renewable biorefinery to complete solid–liquid clarification at two locations: (1) following enzymatic hydrolysis (pre-fermentation) and (2) post-ethanol fermentation. Performance was assessed by evaluating process flux, reversible and irreversible fouling, and the ability to completely remove insoluble solids. Lignin (the primary insoluble solid following enzymatic hydrolysis of a biomass feedstock), yeast cells, and cell debris (following fermentation to ethanol), along with soluble phenolic compounds, all being very hydrophobic in nature, caused extensive fouling, which led to permanent irreversible flux decline for the three commercial membranes. In addition, all three commercial membranes showed a small amount of insoluble solids in the permeate, indicating incomplete removal of the insoluble solids. In contrast, the polyimide nanofiber membrane showed virtually no irreversible fouling and complete retention of insoluble solids, suggesting the tremendous potential for biorefinery applications.