Plasma induced graft co-polymerized electrospun polyethylene terephalate membranes for removal of Cu2+ from aqueous solution

Abstract Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanofibrous membranes grafted with acrylic acid and acrylamide on its surface were used as an absorbent to remove Cu2+ in the aqueous solution. Factors influencing the adsorption of Cu2+, including the initial metal concentration and pH value, were investigated. SEM images show that the membranes possess geometrically uniform and defect-free nanofibrous structure. FT-IR indicates carboxyl and acryl amino groups were successfully grafted on the surface of PET membranes. The result of the water contact angle (WCA) proves that PET nanofibrous membranes successfully changed from the hydrophobic to hydrophilic membranes. XPS spectra confirm the presence of Cu2+ adsorbed on the surface of the modified membranes. PET nanofibrous membranes with surface modified with carboxyl and acryl amino groups offer specific functional groups enable effective, high capacity, strong sorption of Cu2+ and high reusability. This study extended the type of adsorbent for removing heavy metal ions Cu2+ from aqueous solutions.