title: Hydrolyzed Poly(acrylonitrile) Electrospun Ion-Exchange Fibers.
abstract: A potential ion-exchange material was developed from poly(acrylonitrile) fibers that were prepared by electrospinning followed by alkaline hydrolysis (to convert the nitrile group to the carboxylate functional group). Characterization studies performed on this material using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-Transform infra-red spectroscopy, and ion chromatography confirmed the presence of ion-exchange functional group (carboxylate). Optimum hydrolysis conditions resulted in an ion-exchange capacity of 2.39 meq/g. Ion-exchange fibers were used in a packed-bed column to selectively remove heavy-metal cation from the background of a benign, competing cation at a much higher concentration. The material can be efficiently regenerated and used for multiple cycles of exhaustion and regeneration.
authors: Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology Program, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth , North Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
authors: Manisha
authors: M
authors: Jassal
authors: Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology Program, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth , North Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
authors: Sankha
authors: S
authors: Bhowmick
authors: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth , North Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
authors: Sukalyan
authors: S
authors: Sengupta
authors: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bridgeport , Bridgeport, Connecticut. ; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Bridgeport , Bridgeport, Connecticut.
authors: Prabir K
authors: PK
authors: Patra
authors: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University , Medford, Massachusetts.
authors: Douglas I
authors: DI
authors: Walker
keywords: characterization; electrospinning; hydrolysis; ion-exchange fibers; poly(acrylonitrile)