Preparation of novel poly(vinyl alcohol)/SiO2 composite nanofiber membranes with mesostructure and their application for removal of Cu2+ from waste water

Abstract

Novel mesoporous poly(vinyl alcohol)/SiO(2) composite nanofiber membranes functionalized with mercapto groups with diameters of 300-500 nm have been fabricated by a sol-gel electrospinning process; they were highly effective at absorbing Cu(ii) ions from waste water. These nanofiber membranes could be regenerated through acidification.