Nanofiber layers have gained widespread applications in various fields due to their unique properties such as high specific surface area, flexibility, superior mechanical properties, and high permeability. One of the main applications of nanofiber layers is in the filtration membranes. Today, nanofibrous membranes have attracted significant attention in filtration applications, especially protein concentration and water purification, because of their low thickness. Fouling and low thermal stability are the most challenging problems which strongly limit the nanofibrous membrane efficiency. The present research's main objective is to improve the cellulose acetate nanofibrous membrane efficiency by reducing the fouling effect and improving thermal stability. Therefore, zirconium dioxide nanoparticles were incorporated into the nanofibrous layer. Cellulose acetate nanofibers having zirconium dioxide nanoparticles were coated on a commercial filter paper through electrospinning. Effects of nanoparticle amount and electrospinning time on the membrane efficiency were investigated. The results of FTIR and EDS tests confirmed the presence and uniform distribution of zirconium dioxide nanoparticles on the surface of the nanofibers. According to the SEM images, the decrease of nanofiber diameters with increasing nanoparticle concentration was observed, attributed to the reduction of polymer solution viscosity. The results revealed the decreasing pore size with increasing nanoparticle concentration. With increasing the nanoparticle concentration, the air permeability was reduced due to the pore size reduction. The membrane's enhanced hydrophilicity boosted the distilled water flux due to the incorporation of zirconium dioxide nanoparticles. With increasing the electrospinning time, the air permeability and distilled water flux decreased due to the thickened membrane. Moreover, TOC and membrane fouling tests were performed to investigate the membrane efficiency. According to the results, nanoparticles could enhance the rejection rate and reduce fouling effects. Zirconium dioxide nanoparticles slightly improved the thermal stability of nanofibers.
