Electrospun Cyclodextrin Nanofiber Membranes for High-Efficiency and Reusable Removal of Micropollutants from Water

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A research team at Cornell University has developed a reusable cyclodextrin-based nanofiber membrane capable of removing triclosan and other micropollutants from water with exceptionally high efficiency. In laboratory tests, the self-supporting polycyclodextrin membrane, produced through electrospinning to generate ultrafine fibers with very high surface area, achieved nearly 90% removal of triclosan, reaching 75% removal within the first 15 minutes and approaching saturation after six hours. Its performance was not limited to a single contaminant; the membrane also effectively captured ciprofloxacin and oxybenzone, demonstrating robustness across pharmaceuticals and personal-care pollutants. Importantly, the material maintained consistent adsorption efficiency in real-world water samples, including streams, groundwater, and wastewater effluents, confirming its applicability beyond controlled laboratory conditions.
A major advantage of the membrane lies in its sustainability and ease of reuse. Unlike powdered adsorbents that require high-energy regeneration processes, this fibrous material can be restored simply by washing and reused without significant performance loss. Its biodegradable, corn starch-derived polymer composition also presents a greener alternative to traditional adsorbents such as activated carbon. Advanced characterization using rotating frame Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy further validated pollutant capture mechanisms and structural integrity. Current research efforts are expanding this platform toward membranes engineered to target a broader range of contaminants, including textile dyes, volatile organic compounds, and persistent PFAS chemicals, positioning this technology as a promising next-generation solution for water purification.
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