Hyderabad-based CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) Scientists have developed an advanced electrospun nanofiber membrane for textile wastewater treatment, marking a major advancement in sustainable water purification.

The membrane achieves 99.1 % dye rejection, representing a significant breakthrough in the treatment of hazardous textile wastewater. This innovation aligns with India’s ‘Zero Liquid Discharge’ goals and offers a scalable, energy-efficient solution for industrial pollution control.

The institution’s latest research focuses on removing crystal violet dye, a hazardous pollutant commonly discharged by the textile industry. The team, led by Chief Scientist S. Sridhar, has developed a next-generation mixed-matrix nanofiber membrane based on a blend of polyvinylidene fluoride and polyethersulfone, to deliver enhanced treatment performance.

The membrane is fabricated using electrospinning and enhanced with advanced nanomaterials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), graphene oxide, and graphene nanoplatelets. 

According to Institute Director Dr. Sridhar, nanofiber technology has gained prominence due to its high surface area, interconnected porous structure, superior permeability, and strong adsorption properties. These features enable efficient removal of dyes and toxic contaminants while reducing energy consumption during filtration. 

The addition of nanomaterials further enhances hydrophilicity, antifouling characteristics, mechanical stability, and overall separation efficiency.

The team is now working towards scaling up the membrane for industrial applications.