Reusable carbon nanotube-embedded polystyrene/polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous sorbent for managing oil spills

Abstract

Marine oil spills and oil contamination in water are crucial issues because they directly affect marine ecosystems. In this study, the carbon nanotube (CNT)-embedded polystyrene (PS)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibrous oil sorbent was fabricated by electrospinning to alter the structure of polymeric sorbent so that it can selectively remove oil from water. In particular, we focused on the reusability of the fabricated oil sorbents. First, the optimal PS/PAN polymeric sorbent (6:4 weight ratio) with the highest durability and sustainability was obtained. CNT was then added to it (PS/PAN-CNT) to improve the reusability, hydrophobicity, and oleophilicity, which are attributed to the increase in porosity and surface area of the sorbent. The characteristics of the PS/PAN-CNT sorbents were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, contact angle measurements, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The highest oil sorption capacities for motor and diesel oil were achieved by the 6:4–0.25 wt% PS/PAN-CNT sorbent (248 and 80 g/g, respectively). This sorbent was able to be used for up to seven sorption/desorption cycles for diesel oil, with >70% recovery efficiency. The CNT-embedded PS/PAN nanofibrous mat, as an efficient and sustainable oil sorbent, will significantly contribute to tackling oil spills in the ocean owing to its increased oil sorption capacity, high durability, and reusability.