Chromate removal by electrospun PVA/PEI nanofibers: adsorption, reduction, and effects of co-existing ions

Abstract Chromium (Cr(VI)) is one of the most toxic heavy metals threatening humans’ health and the environment. Water-stable poly(vinyl alcohol)/polyethylenimine (PVA/PEI) nanofibers were fabricated through electrospinning and evaluated for Cr(VI) removal from water in batch experiments. The adsorption behavior and removal mechanisms of Cr(VI) by PVA/PEI nanofibers were systematically investigated through a combination of batch experiments and spectroscopic characterizations. The Cr(VI) removal by PVA/PEI nanofibers showed a pH-dependent behavior, and the maximum removal was achieved at pH 4.0. The optimum adsorption capacity for Cr(VI) was found to be 150 mg/g by fitting the Langmuir model. Removal of Cr(VI) by the nanofibers is fast (