Functionalized polymer-iron oxide hybrid nanofibers: Electrospun filtration devices for metal oxyanion removal

Refining hydrogel-based sorbent design for efficient toxic metal removal using machine learning-Bayesian optimization

Hydrogel-based sorbents show promise in the removal of toxic metals from water. However, optimizing their performance through conventional trial-and-error methods is both costly and challenging due to the inherent high-dimensional parameter space associated with complex condition combinations. In this study, machine learning (ML) was employed to uncover the relationship between the fabrication condition of hydrogel sorbent and their efficiency in removing toxic metals. The developed XGBoost models demonstrated exceptional accuracy in predicting hydrogel adsorption coefficients (Kd) based on synthesis materials and fabrication conditions. Key factors such as reaction temperature (50-70 °C), time (5-72 h), initiator ((NH4)2S2O8: 2.3-10.3 mol%), and crosslinker (Methylene-Bis-Acrylamide: 1.5-4.3 mol%) significantly influenced Kd. Subsequently, ten hydrogels were fabricated utilizing these optimized feature combinations based on Bayesian optimization, exhibiting superior toxic metal adsorption capabilities that surpassed existing limits (logKd (Cu): increased from 2.70 to 3.06; logKd (Pb): increased from 2.76 to 3.37). Within these determined combinations, the error range (0.025-0.172) between model predictions and experimental validations for logKd (Pb) indicated negligible disparity. Our research outcomes not only offer valuable insights but also provide practical guidance, highlighting the potential for custom-tailored hydrogel designs to combat specific contaminants, courtesy of ML-based Bayesian optimization.

Mechanically durable tri-composite polyamide 6/hematite nanoparticle/tetra-n-butylammonium bromide (PA6/α-Fe2O3/TBAB) nanofiber based membranes for phosphate remediation

Essential properties for a Point of Use (POU) water filter include maintaining high removal capacity and rate, with excellent mechanical properties to withstand pressure drop. Herein, mechanically robust tri-composite polyamide 6/iron oxide nanoparticles/tetra-n-butylammonium bromide (PA6/α-Fe2O3/TBAB) nanofiber composite membranes were electrospun for phosphate (P) remediation, where the diameter and composition were tuned by controlling solution compositions and electrospinning conditions. Tri-composite composition and morphology affect phosphate uptake where the adsorption capacity followed Langmuir isotherm whereas the adsorption kinetics followed pseudo second order behavior. Mechanical properties (i.e., Young's Modulus (E) and toughness) were significantly influenced by the composition and morphology of the tri-composite, as well. Although additional TBAB and iron oxide decreased toughness, there are optimum composition ranges which resulted in maximum Young's Modulus. Of the synthesized nanofiber membranes, PA6/α-Fe2O3/TBAB nanofibers with 17% α-Fe2O3 and 2% TBAB showed excellent phosphate uptake capacity [i.e., 8.9 mg/g (52 mg of P/g of α-Fe2O3)] while it is bendable, stretchable, and able to plastically deform without fracturing (i.e., Young's modulus of 2.06 × 108 Pa and Toughness of 1.35 × 106 J m-3). With concerns over the impact of P on water resources and the long-term availability of limited P resources, this tri-composite membrane is well suited for applications in both wastewater treatment and resource recovery.

Recent Advancements in the Field of Chitosan/Cellulose-Based Nanocomposites for Maximizing Arsenic Removal from Aqueous Environment

Water remediation, acknowledged as a significant scientific topic, guarantees the safety of drinking water, considering the diverse range of pollutants that can contaminate it. Among these pollutants, arsenic stands out as a particularly severe threat to human health, significantly compromising the overall quality of life. Despite widespread awareness of the harmful effects of arsenic poisoning, there remains a scarcity of literature on the utilization of biobased polymers as sustainable alternatives for comprehensive arsenic removal in practical concern. Cellulose and chitosan, two of the most prevalent biopolymers in nature, provide a wide range of potential benefits in cutting-edge industries, including water remediation. Nanocomposites derived from cellulose and chitosan offer numerous advantages over their larger equivalents, including high chelating properties, cost-effective production, strength, integrity during usage, and the potential to close the recycling loop. Within the sphere of arsenic remediation, this Review outlines the selection criteria for novel cellulose/chitosan-nanocomposites, such as scalability in synthesis, complete arsenic removal, and recyclability for technical significance. Especially, it aims to give an overview of the historical development of research in cellulose and chitosan, techniques for enhancing their performance, the current state of the art of the field, and the mechanisms underlying the adsorption of arsenic using cellulose/chitosan nanocomposites. Additionally, it extensively discusses the impact of shape and size on adsorbent efficiency, highlighting the crucial role of physical characteristics in optimizing performance for practical applications. Furthermore, this Review addresses regeneration, reuse, and future prospects for chitosan/cellulose-nanocomposites, which bear practical relevance. Therefore, this Review underscores the significant research gap and offers insights into refining the structural features of adsorbents to improve total inorganic arsenic removal, thereby facilitating the transition of green-material-based technology into operational use.

Pd sub-nanolayer on Au core for enhanced catalytic hydrogenation reduction of oxyanions pollutants: Synergistic effect of Pd and Au

Oxyanion pollutants in industrial wasterwater, such as (Cr(VI)), BrO3- (Br(V)) and SeO32- (Se(IV)) have detrimental or toxic effects on individual health when their concentrations accumulated to a certain level. The conversion of these oxyanions into harmless/industrial-valuable products or removal from wastewater is of significance. Herein, we designed Pd sub-nanolayer on Au core catalysts supported on Al2O3 (sub-Pd-Au/Al2O3) for highly effective catalytic hydrogenation reduction of oxyanions under ambient conditions. The sub-Pd(0.049)-Au(0.927)/Al2O3 catalyst exhibited the highest catalytic activity and TOF value for Cr(VI), Br(V) and Se(IV) reduction, respectively, by optimizing the Pd loading amount. The synergistic effect between Pd sub-nanolayer and Au core enhanced catalytic activity by regulating the Pd dispersion and site property, according to thorough characterizations that included high-angle annular dark-field transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-TEM) image, in-situ CO-IR adsorption, CO chemisorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). This work might provide some new lights on design of highly efficient catalysts for the elimination of oxyanion pollutants.

Electrospun nanofiber mats as sorbents for polar emerging organic contaminants: Demonstrating tailorable material performance for uptake of neonicotinoid insecticides from water

The number and diversity of chemical contaminants in aquatic environments require versatile technologies for their removal. Here we fabricated various electrospun nanofiber mats (ENMs) and tested their ability to sorb six neonicotinoid insecticides, a model family of small, polar contaminants. ENM formulations were polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or carbon nanofibers (CNF; carbonized from PAN), with additives including carbon nanotubes (CNTs; with and without surface carboxyl groups), the cationic surfactant tetrabutyl ammonium bromide (TBAB), and/or phthalic acid (PTA; a CNF porogen). While sorption on pure PAN ENMs was low [equilibrium partition coefficients (K ENM-W ) from 0.9 to 1.2 log units (L/kg)], inclusion of CNTs and/or TBAB generally increased uptake in an additive fashion, with carboxylated CNT composites outperforming non-functionalized CNT analogs. CNF ENMs exhibited as much as a tenfold increase relative to PAN for neonicotinoid sorption, which increased with carbonization temperature. Ultimately, the optimal ENM (CNFs with carboxylated-CNTs, PTA, and carbonized at 800 °C) exhibited relatively fast uptake (equilibrium < 1 day without mixing) and surface-area-normalized capacities comparable to other carbonaceous sorbents (e.g., activated carbon). Collectively, this work demonstrates the versatility of electrospinning to produce novel sorbents specifically designed to target emerging chemical classes for applications including water treatment and passive sampling.

A two-sorbent system for fast uptake of arsenate from water: Batch and column studies

There is a critical need to use decentralized and/or point-of-use systems to address some challenging water quality issues in society. Sorption-based approaches are uniquely suitable for such applications because of their simplicity in operation; however, the sorbents must possess fast contaminant uptake kinetics to overcome short hydraulic contact times often encountered in small systems. Here we designed a two-sorbent system consisting of Fe₂O₃-coated mesoporous carbon (FeMC) and nano-Fe₂O₃-coated activated carbon (FeAC) and demonstrated its ability to remove arsenate with a < 1 min empty bed contact time (EBCT) by a capture-and-storage process. Batch experiments showed rapid capture of arsenate by FeMC, likely occurred on the rod-like structures protruding to the liquid film. The captured arsenate could subsequently be relocated to FeAC for storage, which had a higher apparent sorption capacity. Column studies, operated with a 10 h running time followed by a 14 h pump-off time, showed that with a 102 μg-As/L influent concentration and at 0.85 min EBCT, the column treated 20,022 bed volumes until the 10 μg-As/L breakthrough, corresponding to a sorption density of 2.36 mg-As/g. This capture-and-storage technique resulted in a rapid and high-capacity arsenate removal through a combined effect of facile access to sorption sites on one sorbent and dynamic equilibrium in the two-sorbent system possessing a large total sorption capacity.

Simple fabrication of an electrospun polystyrene microfiber filter that meets N95 filtering facepiece respirator filtration and breathability standards

During the global spread of COVID-19, high demand and limited availability of melt-blown filtration material led to a manufacturing backlog of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs). This shortfall prompted the search for alternative filter materials that could be quickly mass produced while meeting N95 FFR filtration and breathability performance standards. Here, an unsupported, nonwoven layer of uncharged polystyrene (PS) microfibers was produced via electrospinning that achieves N95 performance standards based on physical parameters (e.g., filter thickness) alone. PS microfibers 3-6 μm in diameter and deposited in an ~5 mm thick filter layer are favorable for use in FFRs, achieving high filtration efficiencies (≥97.5%) and low pressure drops (≤15 mm H₂O). The PS microfiber filter demonstrates durability upon disinfection with hydroxyl radicals (•OH), maintaining high filtration efficiencies and low pressure drops over six rounds of disinfection. Additionally, the PS microfibers exhibit antibacterial activity (1-log removal of E. coli) and can be modified readily through integration of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) during electrospinning to enhance their activity (≥3-log removal at 25 wt% AgNP integration). Because of their tunable performance, potential reusability with disinfection, and antimicrobial properties, these electrospun PS microfibers may represent a suitable, alternative filter material for use in N95 FFRs.

Recent advances and remaining barriers to the development of electrospun nanofiber and nanofiber composites for point-of-use and point-of-entry water treatment systems

In this review, we focus on electrospun nanofibers as a promising material alternative for the niche application of decentralized, point-of-use (POU) and point-of-entry (POE) water treatment systems. We focus our review on prior work with various formulations of electrospun materials, including nanofibers of carbon, pure metal oxides, functionalized polymers, and polymer-metal oxide composites, that exhibit analogous performance to media (e.g., activated carbon, ion exchange resins) commonly used in commercially available, certified POU/POE devices for contaminants including organic pollutants, metals (e.g., lead) and persistent oxyanions (e.g., nitrate). We then analyze the relevant strengths and remaining research and development opportunities of the relevant literature based on an evaluation framework that considers (i) performance comparison to commercial analogs; (ii) appropriate pollutant targets for POU/POE applications; (iii) testing in flow-through systems consistent with POU/POE applications; (iv) consideration of water quality effects; and (v) evaluation of material strength and longevity. We also identify several emerging issues in decentralized water treatment where nanofiber-based POU/POE devices could help meet existing needs including their use for treatment of uranium, disinfection, and in electrochemical treatment systems. To date, research has demonstrated promising material performance toward relevant targets for POU/POE applications, using appropriate aquatic matrices and considering material stability. To fully realize their promise as an emerging treatment technology, our analysis of the available literature reveals the need for more work that benchmarks nanofiber performance against established commercial analogs, as well as fabrication and performance validation at scales and under conditions simulating POU/POE water treatment.

U(VI) binding onto electrospun polymers functionalized with phosphonate surfactants

We previously observed that phosphonate functionalized electrospun nanofibers can uptake U(VI), making them promising materials for sensing and water treatment applications. Here, we investigate the optimal fabrication of these materials and their mechanism of U(VI) binding under the influence of environmentally relevant ions (e.g., Ca²⁺ and CO 3 2 - ). We found that U(VI) uptake was greatest on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) functionalized with longer-chain phosphonate surfactants (e.g., hexa- and octadecyl phosphonate; HDPA and ODPA, respectively), which were better retained in the nanofiber after surface segregation. Subsequent uptake experiments to better understand specific solid-liquid interfacial interactions were carried out using 5 mg of HDPA-functionalized PAN mats with 10 μM U at pH 6.8 in four systems with different combinations of solutions containing 5 mM calcium (Ca²⁺) and 5 mM bicarbonate ( HCO 3 - ). U uptake was similar in control solutions containing no Ca²⁺ and HCO 3 - (resulting in 19 ± 3% U uptake), and in those containing only 5 mM Ca²⁺ (resulting in 20 ± 3% U uptake). A decrease in U uptake (10 ± 4% U uptake) was observed in experiments with HCO 3 - , indicating that UO₂-CO₃ complexes may increase uranium solubility. Results from shell-by-shell EXAFS fitting, aqueous extractions, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) indicate that U is bound to phosphonate as a monodentate inner sphere surface complex to one of the hydroxyls in the phosphonate functional groups. New knowledge derived from this study on material fabrication and solid-liquid interfacial interactions will help to advance technologies for use in the in-situ detection and treatment of U in water.

Phosphate removal using surface enriched hematite and tetra-n-butylammonium bromide incorporated polyacrylonitrile composite nanofibers

The nanosized iron oxides-based adsorbent has been widely used to alleviate water eutrophication. However, it is challenging to industrialize the application of nanosized iron oxides-based adsorbent due to their poor stability, difficult separation and recovery. Herein, hematite and tetra-n-butylammonium bromide incorporated polyacrylonitrile (PAN/Fe₂O₃/TBAB) composite nanofibers with a controlled diameter (i.e., 66 to 305 nm) and composition were systematically synthesized as an adsorbent for phosphate removal from water using surfactant-mediated electrospinning. During the electrospinning process, polar TBAB surfactant enhanced the migration of Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles toward the surface of nanofibers resulting in Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles/TBAB surface enriched nanofibers. The synthesized nanofiber membranes were used for phosphate removal, and their adsorption kinetics, adsorption mechanism, and reusability were investigated. Data showed that adsorption kinetic followed the pseudo-second-order model whereas the adsorption mechanism follows the Langmuir model. The phosphate removal was mainly derived from the chemisorption of surface-enriched α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles at acidic and circumneutral pH values, with a small contribution from anion exchange at TBAB sites. The maximum phosphate removal capacity was approx. 8.76 mg/g (i.e., 23.1 mg/g, P/active materials) at pH 3. Additionally, the synthesized nanofiber membrane also shows excellent reusability.

Enhanced arsenic removal from water by mass re-equilibrium: kinetics and performance evaluation in a binary-adsorbent system

Because arsenic (As) is highly toxic and carcinogenic, its efficient removal from drinking water is essential. Considering some adsorption media may adsorb As fast but are too expensive to be applied in a household, while others could be abundantly available at low cost but with slow uptake kinetics, we explored a novel mass re-equilibrium (MRE) process between two media with different adsorption characteristics to enhance the overall As removal. We employed an adsorbent with fast adsorption kinetics to grab As from water, and then allow it to transfer to a second adsorbent with large capacity for As retention. In the system containing two adsorbents separated by a dialysis membrane, the results showed that As associated with a fast-adsorbing iron-based ordered mesoporous carbon could diffuse to a slow-adsorbing but high-capacity iron-based activated carbon. Column tests were further conducted, showing that the mixed medium, composed of the two adsorbents, could be used to adsorb As at a very short empty bed contact time (≤ 1 min) and the removal was improved by the MRE that potentially redistributed solid-phase As during pump-off periods. This study points to a new direction that by the MRE process, novel binary-adsorbent approaches may be developed for contaminant removal, if suitable media and process configuration could be identified.

High adsorption capacity and super selectivity for Pb(Ⅱ) by a novel adsorbent: Nano humboldtine/almandine composite prepared from natural almandine

This study firstly reported a novel nano humboldtine/almandine composite (NHLA composite) prepared directly from almandine through one-pot method based on the interaction of almandine and oxalic acid. The formation of humboldtine/almandine binary phase from natural almandine was determined by X-ray diffraction. Analysis of scanning & transmission electron microscope showed that large amount of nano humboldtine with uniform size (average size of 15.59 nm) were loaded on the almandine sheets. Compared with raw minerals, Pb(Ⅱ) removal capacity of synthesized composite was significantly increased, demonstrating that the main active ingredient for Pb(Ⅱ) removal was humboldtine phase rather than almandine itself. Pb(Ⅱ) adsorption capacity was increased with the increasing of initial pH value or temperature. Langmuir isotherm and Pseudo-second order kinetic equation were well fitted with experimental results and the maximum Pb(Ⅱ) adsorption capacity from Langmuir isotherm was 574.71 mg/g at temperature of 25 °C. In addition, heavy metal removal experiments in coexisting systems of multiple heavy metal ions manifested that the composite had a high selectivity for Pb(Ⅱ) adsorption. Ion exchange, surface complexation and electrostatic interaction have involved in the Pb(Ⅱ) adsorption. The synthesized composite was considered as a low cost, high efficiency, super selectivity and easy to mass production material for Pb(Ⅱ) adsorption from solution.

A novel composite of SiO2 decorated with nano ferrous oxalate (SDNF) for efficient and highly selective removal of Pb2+ from aqueous solutions

Developing a material with high adsorption capacity and selectivity to remove lead from Pb²⁺ polluted wastewater is of vital importance for environment protection and resources utilization. In this study, a novel composite, SiO₂ decorated with nano ferrous oxalate (SDNF), was prepared from natural biotite containing ores to remove Pb²⁺. Pseudo-first-order kinetic (R² = 0.99) and Langmuir models (R² = 0.99) fitted the data well, manifesting that Pb²⁺ adsorption process was monolayer adsorption. The maximum Pb²⁺ adsorption capacity was identified as 446.98 mg/g. SEM and TEM images showed that nano ferrous oxalate with average size of 11.51 nm was coated on the surface of ores, and their distributions were uniform. Results of XRD, XPS, FTIR and zeta potential indicated that ion exchange, surface complexation and electrostatic attraction interaction were involved in the remvoal of Pb²⁺, and the ion exchange between Fe²⁺ and Pb²⁺ played a major role. Moreover, both Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺ removal efficiency are less than 2 % in Pb-Cd or Pb-Zn coexisted solution, indicating the composite possessed high selectivity for Pb²⁺ removal. All above results indicated that the composite was a material with high adsorption capacity and selectivity for Pb²⁺, which was suitable for remediation of Pb²⁺ pollution from Pb²⁺ containing wastewater.

FUNCTIONALIZED ELECTROSPUN POLYMER NANOFIBERS FOR TREATMENT OF WATER CONTAMINATED WITH URANIUM

Uranium (U) contamination of drinking water often affects communities with limited resources, presenting unique technology challenges for U⁶⁺ treatment. Here, we develop a suite of chemically functionalized polymer (polyacrylonitrile; PAN) nanofibers for low pressure reactive filtration applications for U⁶⁺ removal. Binding agents with either nitrogen-containing or phosphorous-based (e.g., phosphonic acid) functionalities were blended (at 1-3 wt.%) into PAN sol gels used for electrospinning, yielding functionalized nanofiber mats. For comparison, we also functionalized PAN nanofibers with amidoxime (AO) moieties, a group well-recognized for its specificity in U⁶⁺ uptake. For optimal N-based (Aliquat® 336 or Aq) and P-containing [hexadecylphosphonic acid (HPDA) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate (HDEHP)] binding agents, we then explored their use for U⁶⁺ removal across a range of pH values (pH 2-7), U⁶⁺ concentrations (up to 10 μM), and in flow through systems simulating point of use (POU) water treatment. As expected from the use of quaternary ammonium groups in ion exchange, Aq-containing materials appear to sequester U⁶⁺ by electrostatic interactions; while uptake by these materials is limited, it is greatest at circumneutral pH where positively charged N groups bind negatively charged U⁶⁺ complexes. In contrast, HDPA and HDEHP perform best at acidic pH representative of mine drainage, where surface complexation of the uranyl cation likely drives uptake. Complexation by AO exhibited the best performance across all pH values, although U⁶⁺ uptake via surface precipitation may also occur near circumneutral pH value and at high (10 μM) dissolved U⁶⁺ concentrations. In simulated POU treatment studies using a dead-end filtration system, we observed U removal in AO-PAN systems that is insensitive to common co-solutes in groundwater (e.g., hardness and alkalinity). While more research is needed, our results suggest that only 80 g (about 0.2 lbs.) of AO-PAN filter material would be needed to treat an individual's water supply (contaminated at ten-times the U.S. EPA Maximum Contaminant Level for U) for one year.

Efficient removal of arsenic from groundwater using iron oxide nanoneedle array-decorated biochar fibers with high Fe utilization and fast adsorption kinetics

Although Fe-based biochar adsorbents are attractive for removing arsenic from water due to their advantages of costing little and being producible at a large scale, the practical applications of these granular adsorbents are mainly limited by low Fe utilization and slow adsorption kinetics. In this study, iron oxide nanoneedle array-decorated biochar fibers (Fe-NN/BFs) adsorbents have been prepared through a simple hydrothermal reaction. The vertical growth of iron oxide nanoneedle arrays on the surface of biochar fibers maximizes Fe utilization and shortens As diffusion distance, thereby increasing As removal kinetics and capacity. Batch experiments show that the adsorption capacities of Fe-NN/BFs for As(V) and As(III) reach to 93.94 and 70.22 mg/g-Fe at pH 7.0, respectively. As(V) levels (275 μg/L) in groundwater are rapidly reduced (less than 5 min) to below 10 μg/L using Fe-NN/BFs (1 g/L) at pH 6.7. Similar As(III) levels can be reduced to below 10 μg/L within 30 min by Fe-NN/BFs (1.5 g/L). In fixed-bed experiments, the treatment volumes of As(V) and As(III) spiked groundwater reach to 2900 BV (26.2 L) and 2500 BV (22.6 L), respectively, using two columns packed with Fe-NN/BFs in tandem (C₀ = 275 μg/L, 2 g of adsorbents in each column). When the As concentration in the influent is reduced to 50 μg/L (As(V): 25 μg/L + As(III): 25 μg/L), the treatment volume using one column reaches up to 11000 BV. The Fe-NN/BFs packed column can be easily regenerated and reused many times. After four regenerations, the treatment volume of As(V) and As(III) were reduced by 10.4% and 22.8%, respectively.

Processing Iron Oxide Nanoparticle-Loaded Composite Carbon Fiber and the Photosensitivity Characterization

In this work, iron oxide nanoparticle loaded carbon fibers were prepared by electrohydrodynamic co-casting a polymer and particle mixture followed by carbonization. The precursor used to generate carbon fibers was a linear molecular chain polymer: polyacrylonitrile (PAN). A solution containing iron (II, III) oxide (Fe3O4) particles and the PAN polymer dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF) was electrohydrodynamically co-cast into fibers. The fibers were stabilized in air and carbonized in hydrogen at elevated temperatures. The microstructure and composition of the fibers were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A quantitative metallographic analysis method was used to determine the fiber size. It was found that the iron (II, III) oxide particles distributed uniformly within the carbonized fibers. Photosensitivity of the particle containing fibers was characterized through measuring the open circuit potential of the fiber samples under the visible light illumination. Potential applications of the fibers for photovoltaics and photonic sensing were discussed.

Performance comparison of hematite (α-Fe2O3)-polymer composite and core-shell nanofibers as point-of-use filtration platforms for metal sequestration

Point-of-use water treatment technologies can help mitigate risks from drinking water contamination, particularly for metals (and metalloids) that originate in distribution systems (e.g., chromium, lead, copper) or are naturally occurring in private groundwater wells (e.g., arsenic). Here, composite nanofibers of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) with embedded hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles were synthesized via a single-pot electrospinning synthesis. A core-shell nanofiber composite was also prepared through the subsequent hydrothermal growth of α-Fe₂O₃ nanostructures on embedded hematite composites. Properties of embedded hematite composites were controlled using electrospinning synthesis variables (e.g., size and loading of embedded α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles), whereas core-shell composites were also tailored via hydrothermal treatment conditions (e.g., soluble iron concentration and duration). Although uptake of Cu(II), Pb(II), Cr(VI), and As(V) was largely independent of the core-shell variables explored, metal uptake on embedded nanofibers increased with α-Fe₂O₃ loading. Both materials exhibited maximum surface-area-normalized sorption capacities that were comparable to α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticle dispersions and exceeded that of a commercial iron oxide based sorbent. Further, both types of composite exhibited strong performance across a range of environmentally relevant pH values (6.0-8.0). Notably, core-shell structures, with a majority of surface accessible α-Fe₂O₃, performed far better than embedded composites in kinetically limited flow through systems than was anticipated from their relative performance in equilibrium batch systems. Core-shell nanofiber filters also retained much of the durability and flexibility exhibited by embedded nanofibers. Additional tests with authentic groundwater samples demonstrated the ability of the core-shell nanofiber filters to remove simultaneously both As and suspended solids, illustrating their promise as a nano-enabled technology for point-of-use water treatment.

Strengthened and Thermally Resistant Poly(lactic acid)-Based Composite Nanofibers Prepared via Easy Stereocomplexation with Antibacterial Effects

Strengthened poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-based materials with improved mechanical performance and improved thermal resistance, notably, are prepared by introducing stereocomplex crystallite (SC), an ideal filler, into the materials. Owing to the intermolecular hydrogen bond among the stereoisomer chains, the melting point of the special crystallite is up to 200 °C, which is 50 °C higher than the isostatic crystallite. The modulus of the PLA-based materials can be enhanced to several 100 MPa because of the integrated polymer chain arrangement. In this study, we electrospun hybrid nanofibers consisted of PLA stereoisomers and induced the stereocomplex crystallization under a mild condition (65 °C for 1 h). The mild warming is favorable for the protection of chlorogenic acid (CA) that was selected as the antibacterial agent. Both of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were efficiently cleared away using the warmed nanofibers that released CA rapidly within just a few hours. Used as filters, the SC electrospinning membrane also presented a potent filtering effect, leaving no bacteria retained in the filtrates. Attributing to SC, the PLA-based nanofibers showed extremely increased melting temperature over 200 °C and improved Young's modulus up to 270.0 MPa. The durable nanofibers prepared in present study are meaningful for enlarging the application of PLA-based materials, for example, as filters, masks, and packages.

Clean application of magnetic biomaterial for the removal of As (III) from water

Magnetite-coated pine cone biomass was successfully synthesized, characterized, and its interaction with As (III) in water evaluated in order to apply it as an efficient adsorbent. Transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, and imaging studies revealed that spherical magnetite particles were evenly distributed over the pine cone surface. Adsorption studies showed that the optimum pH of As (III) adsorption was 8 and that Fe (III) leaching was negligible at this pH. The optimum Fe₃O₄:pine cone ratio for As (III) removal was 2.0 g Fe₃O₄:1.5 g pine cone with adsorption capacity of 13.86 mg/g. The pseudo-second-order model best fitted the kinetic data with activation energy of adsorption was calculated to be 23.78 kJ/mol. The Langmuir isotherm described the equilibrium data best while the values of Dubinin-Radushkevich mean free energy suggests anion-exchange process. Increasing ionic strength slightly increased As (III) capacity of MNP-PCP from 13.86 to 17.82 mg/g at optimum solution pH of 8, but As (III) adsorption reduced by [Formula: see text]anions and humic acid due to competition. Adsorption mechanism was confirmed with evidence from FTIR, XPS, pH_PZC, and [Formula: see text] replacement by As (III) adsorption onto the [Formula: see text]-loaded composite.

SPION-Decorated Nanofibers by RAFT-Mediated Free Radical Emulsion Polymerization-Induced Self Assembly

RAFT-mediated free-radical emulsion polymerization is successfully used to synthesize polystyrene nanofibers using triblock amphiphilic macro-RAFT copolymers as stabilizers. The polymerization is under RAFT control, producing various morphologies from spherical particles, nanofibers, nanoplatelets, and polymer vesicles. Optimum conditions are established for the synthesis of predominantly negatively charged polymer nanofibers. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION)-decorated nanofibers are formed by simple mixing of the SPIONs with the fibers at an appropriate pH. The composite material has been found to be superparamagnetic and could be aligned under a magnetic field.

Efficient heavy metal removal from industrial melting effluent using fixed-bed process based on porous hydrogel adsorbents

High adsorption capacity, fast adsorption kinetics, good reusability and low cost are highly demanded for adsorbents used in practical adsorption process. In this study, a porous double network Jute/Polyacrylic acid (Jute/PAA) gel was prepared using simple free-radical polymerization of acrylic acid in Jute aqueous solution. The high permeability of Jute/PAA hydrogel with about 80 wt% water made internal adsorption sites fully expose to metal ions. The Jute/PAA gel adsorbent could efficiently adsorb heavy metals in melting wastewater, especially Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺. The adsorbent showed very high adsorption capacities of 401.7 mg/g for Cd²⁺ and 542.9 mg/g for Pb²⁺. Moreover, the adsorption equilibrium reached within only 10 min for 40 mg/L of Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ using 1 g/L adsorbent. Meanwhile, the removal efficiencies reached 81.0% for Pb (C₀ = 3.825 mg/L), 79.3% for Cd (C₀ = 6.075 mg/L), 83.4% for Cu (C₀ = 9.325 mg/L), 29.8% for Zn (C₀ = 188.6 mg/L), 22.3% for Mn (C₀ = 17.05 mg/L), 96.2% for Cr (C₀ = 0.25 mg/L) and 99.8% for Fe (C₀ = 9.75 mg/L) in melting wastewater using 1 g/L adsorbent in 2 h. In particular, the concentrations of Pb, Cd and Cr decreased below 0.001 mg/L using 4 g/L adsorbent. In the fixed-bed column experiments, the treatment volume of melting wastewater reached 2900 BV (32.8 L) only producing 50 BV (565 mL) eluent. This work develops a highly practical adsorption process based on hydrogel adsorbents for the removal of heavy metals in actual wastewater.

Solvent retention in electrospun fibers affects scaffold mechanical properties

Electrospinning is a robust material fabrication method allowing for fine control of mechanical, chemical, and functional properties in scaffold manufacturing. Electrospun fiber scaffolds have gained prominence for their potential in a variety of applications such as tissue engineering and textile manufacturing, yet none have assessed the impact of solvent retention in fibers on the scaffold's mechanical properties. In this study, we hypothesized that retained electrospinning solvent acts as a plasticizer, and gradual solvent evaporation, by storing fibers in ambient air, will cause significant increases in electrospun fiber scaffold brittleness and stiffness, and a significant decrease in scaffold toughness. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated solvent retention in PGA, PLCL, and PET fibers, and not in PU and PCL fibers. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that polymers that were electrospun below their glass transition temperature (T g ) retained solvent and polymers electrospun above T g did not. Young's moduli increased and yield strain decreased for solventretaining PGA, PLCL, and PET fiber scaffolds as solvent evaporated from the scaffolds over a period of 14 days. Toughness and failure strain decreased for PGA and PET scaffolds as solvent evaporated. No significant differences were observed in the mechanical properties of PU and PCL scaffolds that did not retain solvent. These observations highlight the need to consider solvent retention following electrospinning and its potential effects on scaffold mechanical properties.