Poly(lactic acid) Electrospun Membranes for Sustainable Separation Processes

The sustainable development of the global economy has presented higher requirements for high-performance separation membranes. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) electrospun membranes have received more and more attention in recent years due to their excellent biodegradability, continuous production, tunable structure, easy post-modification, and excellent separation performances. In this Perspective, we try to elaborate the following aspects: (i) general and specific preparation methods, (ii) unique structural features for separation, (iii) performances of PLA electrospun membranes, and (iv) problems and perspective. The purpose is to summarize the efforts made by the researchers to break the tradeoff between separation efficiency and permeation flux, which relies on the delicate design of composition, fiber, and membrane structure and preparation methods. It is believed that this review is a good reference for those engaged in the development of high-performance membranes for sustainable separation.