Adsorption of divalent heavy metal ion by mesoporous-high surface area chitosan/poly (ethylene oxide) nanofibrous membrane

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers 2017-02, Vol.157, p.57-64
• Main Authors: Shariful, Md Islam, Sharif, Sazzad Bin, Lee, Jacky Jia Li, Habiba, Umma, Ang, Bee Chin, Amalina, Muhammad Afifi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adsorption; Chitosan; Mesoporous fiber; Nanofiber
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.09.063

•The average diameter for beadless fiber was found to be 115±31nm.•Effect of chitosan/PEO ratio on adsorption was evaluated.•Can successfully remove Cu(II), Zn(II) and Pb(II) ion from aqueous solution.•Maximum adsorption capacity for Cu, Zn and Pb ion was 120, 117 and 108mgg−1, respectively. In this study, chitosan/poly (ethylene oxide) nanofibres were fabricated at different chitosan:PEO weight ratio by electrospinning process. The effects of chitosan/PEO composition onto adsorption capability for Cu(II), Zn(II) and Pb(II) ions were studied. Formation of beadless fibres were achieved at 60:40 chitosan:PEO ratio. Average fiber diameter, maximum tensile strength and the specific surface area of the beadless fibres were found to be 115±31nm, 1.58MPa and 218m2/g, respectively. Chitosan/PEO composition that produced beadless fibres tend to possess higher hydrophilicity and maximum specific surface area. These characteristics lead the beadless fibres to the maximum adsorption capability. Adsorption equilibrium data were analysed by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm. Freundlich isotherm showed the better fit with the experimental data and proved the existence of the monolayer adsorption conditions. The maximum adsorption capacity of the beadless fibres for Cu(II), Zn(II) and Pb(II) ions were found to be 120, 117 and 108mgg−1, respectively.