Preparation of poly (vinyl alcohol)/silica composite nanofibers membrane functionalized with mercapto groups by electrospinning

Membranes of poly vinyl alcohol (PVA)/silica functionalized with mercapto groups are synthesized by electrospinning. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies showed that the fiber diameters are in the range of 200–300 nm. The thickness of nanofiber decreases with an increase in calcination temperature. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) indicated that PVA/silica nanofibers are functionalized by mercapto groups via the hydrolysis poly-condensation method. N2 adsorption–desorption showed that organic molecules can be removed completely when the PVA/silica composite fibers are calcinated at 800 °C. The fibers calcinated at 800 °C were pure inorganic silica species with a mesoporous structure. These mercapto groups functionalized PVA/silica nanofibers have a great potential application in the field of adsorption of heavy metal ions.