Characterization of PCL/zeolite electrospun membrane for the removal of silver in drinking water

Abstract

The presence of heavy metals in drinking water leads to several health problems. In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL)/zeolite nano or microfiber electrospun composite membranes, diameter range of the fibers was 2 µm- 6 µm, were fabricated by using electrospinning technique. The membranes separation processes have played very crucial roles in water purification industry. Apart from that, the membranes are prepared with biocompatible, non-toxic materials which will be eco-friendly. In order to produce electrospun membrane, 15% (w/v) of PCL polymer solution was dissolved in acetone and 20% (w/w) zeolite was incorporated into the PCL polymer solution. Electricity charged jet of polymer solution from the syringe formed an electrostatics field when the high voltage of 20kV was applied. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) implemented to indicate the characterization of membranes. The water contact angle of PCL/zeolite membrane was 119.53±5.24 which was almost same as pure PCL membrane (107.73±8.54). The inducible results obtained in this study suggested that electrospun pcl and polycaprolactone/zeolite layer by layer nanofibrous membranes can be a favored verdict for the removal of heavy metal ions.