Electrospun composite nanofiber mats of Cellulose@Organically modified montmorillonite for heavy metal ion removal: Design, characterization, evaluation of absorption performance

Considerable interest has been devoted to developing nanoscale biomass materials as adsorbents for wastewater treatment. A facile route was proposed to prepare cellulose-based composite nanofibers via electrospinning of cellulose acetate with organically modified montmorillonite, followed by deacetylation. The composite nanofibers are suitable for metal adsorption given their reasonably high selectivity in removing Cr6+ ions from aqueous solution. The effects of experimental parameters, including solution pH, temperature, and contact time, on the removal of Cr6+ ions were determined in a batch system to optimize the adsorption conditions. Results from this study may provide a promising biosorbent that can be used as an emerging material in large-scale adsorption of heavy metal ions.