Ultrasound-assisted Fenton-like degradation of methylene blue using electrospun nanofibrous membranes

New materials supported by Green Chemistry have been receiving widespread attention because they are fulfilling the sustainable development goals (SDGs) agenda, for which clean water development is a top priority. Recently, electrospun nanofibers membranes are being frequently used to decontaminate organic pollutants such as dyes because of their easy operation, flexibility, economic feasibility and high removal efficiency. In the present study, green polyvinyl alcohol-based electrospun nanofibers membranes (PVA NF) were produced at room temperature and applied for efficient capturing methylene blue as a common organic pollutant. A series of experiments were conducted to affirm their catalytic activity. In particular, dye degradation studies were initiated by dissolving a selected amount of Fe (III), H2O2, PVA NF membrane and ultrasound (ULTS). Results showed that ultrasound could generate hydroxyl (•OH) radical and triggers dye removal percentages, which are of significant contribution in terms of peroxide-free Fenton-like catalysis. Finally, this study has proven that electrospun nanofibrous membranes could be a potential economic and efficient carrier for the Fenton catalytic process to capture large amounts of organic pollutants from industrial effluents.