PAN/PEI Nanofiber Membrane for Effective Removal of Heavy Metal Ions and Oil–Water Separation

Electrospinning nanofiber membranes (ENMs) have received widespread attention owing to their favorable permeability, easy preparation, low energy consumption and stability in wastewater treatment technologies. Polyacrylonitrile/polyethyleneimine (PAN/PEI) ENMs were prepared by electrospinning and evaluated in batch experiments for their removal of heavy metal ions (Pb (II), Cr (VI) and Cu (II)) in water. The adsorption capacities of PAN/PEI ENMs for Cr (VI) ions, Cu (II) ions and Pb (II) ions can reach up to 262 mg g −1 , 325 mg g −1 and 346 mg g −1 , respectively. The adsorption procedure follows the pseudo-second-order dynamics model and Langmuir model. In dynamic experiments, the removal rates of Pb (II) ions, Cr (VI) ions and Cu (II) ions can reach 80%, 100% and 80%, indicating that it has excellent removal efficiencies for heavy metal ions. At the same time, PAN/PEI ENMs have high separation ability and excellent flux for oil–water mixtures and oil-in-water emulsions. PAN/PEI ENMs also have the advantages of simple preparation, easy recovery and no secondary pollution to the environment, indicating that PAN/PEI ENMs have some prospects for application in wastewater treatment.