Abstract

Functional nanofibrous membranes, fabricated by the electrospinning technology, can be used to remove heavy metal ions through adsorption from contaminated water. These membranes, while already being considered as superior microfiltration media as they possess higher permeation flux and lower pressure drop performance than conventional microfiltration membranes, also possess a high surface-to-volume ratio and functionalizable surface that can remove toxic metal ions with a capability comparable to typical absorbents.

Keywords: Adsorption, Electrospun nanofibers, Heavy metal ion, Microfiltration, Water purification.