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Advancements in electrospun nanofibers for water splitting and water treatment
Alharbi, Abdulaziz
Alharbi, Abdulaziz
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Dissertation
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2016-05
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Electronic dissertations
Electronic dissertations
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Abstract
This dissertation study reports on the development of a nanomembrane for dam water and
wastewater treatment. The study highlights the application of nanotechnology in water purification
by employing an electrospun nanomembrane for water treatment. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was
dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF) with different weight percentages of
polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and gentamicin sulfate powder was added to the solution prior to the
electrospinning process. Gentamicin was added mainly to remove bacteria and some viruses, while
PVP was added to make the surface of the membrane hydrophilic in order to enhance the filtration
efficiency. The electrospun nanomembrane is capable of playing a major role in water purification.
Recently, many problems have emerged as a result of the increase in the consumption of
fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) worldwide. These problems have led many researchers to
focus on alternative sources of energy that are safe, clean, affordable, and environmentally
friendly. There is a compelling necessity for developing a productive photocatalyst system for
overall water splitting to produce clean and recyclable hydrogen on a large scale.
The other aspect of this dissertation is the synthesis of nickel oxide-loaded strontium
titanate (NiO-STO) on electrospun nanofibers using a single electrospinning technique and a
coaxial electrospinning technique for efficient overall water splitting. The electrospun NiO-STO
nanofibers are then annealed at 600oC to transform them into a crystalline form for better
photocatalyst efficiency. Ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry and Fourier transform infrared
(FTIR) spectroscopy were used to characterize the structural properties of the fibers. Their
morphology and dimensions were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The
structures of the calcined nanofibers were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), which clearly
indicated the formation of NiO and STO and nanofiber structures.
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Thesis (Ph.D.)-- Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
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Wichita State University
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Copyright 2016 Abdulaziz Alharbi