HMO-incorporated electrospun nanofiber recyclable membranes: Characterization and adsorptive performance for Pb(II) and As(V)

In the present work, hydrous manganese oxide (HMO) nanoparticles have been synthesized and successfully impregnated into polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers to obtain HMO-PAN composite electrospun nanofiber membranes (ENMs), via electrospinning technique. Characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles and composite ENMs using techniques high resolution transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction was performed. The adsorption viability of HMO-PAN composite ENMs as for removal of lead (Pb(II)) and arsenic (As(V)) from aqueous solution was evaluated using batch adsorption technique. HMO-PAN composite ENM preferably sequestrate As(V) and Pb(II) ions at pH 5.0 and 7.0, respectively. The maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity obtained for lead and arsenic was 194.4 mg/g and 95.7 mg/g, respectively at 318 K. During regeneration the material retained about 88% (for lead) and 83% (for arsenic) of adsorption capacity after five adsorption-desorption cycles indicating high potential for long-term application. Hence, the synthesized nanocomposite provides facile fabrication, excellent regeneration ability, and easy recovery without leaching, proving to be a promising adsorbent for uptake of Pb(II) and As(V) from aqueous solutions • Electrospun HMO-PAN nanocomposite membranes were fabricated. • Adsorbent displayed high efficiency for Pb(II) and As(V) uptake. • Adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics were studied. • Nanocomposite adsorbent was reusable after several cycles.