Synthesis of novel surface functionalized electrospun PAN nanofibers matrix for efficient adsorption of anionic CR dye from water

Abstract

In this study, we have synthesized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers matrix by using simple and cost effective electrospinning method. The surface of the obtained PAN nanofibers matrix was chemically modified into different amino (NH2) functional groups and used as novel nano-adsorbent towards the removal of anionic Congo red (CR) dye from aqueous media. Three different chemical procedures were adopted to synthesize three different NH2 functionalized nanofibers matrix i.e. PAN-NH2, PAN-CONH2 and PAN-EDA (ethylenediamine). The NH2 functionalized PAN nanofibers matrix were characterized by ATR-FTIR (Attenuated Total Reflectance), and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analytical techniques. ATR- FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of amine (NH2) and amide (CONH2) functional groups on the PAN nanofibers matrix. The obtained three different NH2 functionalized PAN nanofibers matrix were used as nano-adsorbents for removal of toxic anionic CR dye from aqueous media. We have calculated the density of amino functional groups by non-aqueous titration method. It was observed that, among the three different NH2 functionalized nanofibers matrix, PAN-EDA nanofibers matrix contain highest NH2 groups density. Hence, the PAN-EDA nanofibers matrix was found to be most efficient nano-adsorbent material for decontamination of anionic CR dye and can also be used as model affinity membrane for waste water treatment.