Biodegradable Polylactic Acid Nanofibrous Membranes Fabricated by Solution Blow Spinning (SBS) for Sustainable Membrane Distillation

Abstract

The increasing global demand for freshwater and the limitations of conventional desalination technologies underscore the need for sustainable alternatives. This study reports the development of biodegradable micro/nanofibrous membranes from polylactic acid (PLA) fabricated via the solution blow spinning (SBS) technique for direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD). Compared with electrospinning (ES), SBS offers higher productivity, improved scalability, and lower energy consumption. The effects of polymer concentration and post‐treatment duration on fiber morphology, porosity, hydrophobicity, and mechanical performance were systematically investigated. Membranes prepared from a 7 wt% PLA solution exhibited uniform fibers and high porosity, while subsequent heat‐press treatment enhanced mechanical strength and liquid entry pressure (LEP) through improved inter‐fiber bonding and increased crystallinity. The optimized membrane (MN‐45) exhibited a porosity of approximately 85.6%, achieved a permeate flux of ~12.5 LMH, and maintained a salt rejection above 99% at ΔT = 50°C, demonstrating stable operation over 4.5 h. These findings confirm the potential of SBS‐fabricated PLA nanofibrous membranes as eco‐friendly, efficient, and scalable candidates for sustainable desalination.