Design, Preparation, and Characterization of Polycaprolactone–Chitosan Nanofibers via Electrospinning Techniques for Efficient Methylene Blue Removal from Aqueous Solutions

The effective removal of organic dyes from aqueous solutions is of paramount importance in addressing environmental pollution challenges. Methylene blue (MB), a prevalent cationic dye in various industries, has raised concerns due to its persistence and potential adverse effects on ecosystems. This...

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Main Authors: Hind M. Saleh, Salim Albukhaty, Ghassan M. Sulaiman, Mosleh M. Abomughaid
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-02-01
Series:Journal of Composites Science
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2504-477X/8/2/68
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author Hind M. Saleh
Salim Albukhaty
Ghassan M. Sulaiman
Mosleh M. Abomughaid
author_facet Hind M. Saleh
Salim Albukhaty
Ghassan M. Sulaiman
Mosleh M. Abomughaid
author_sort Hind M. Saleh
collection DOAJ
description The effective removal of organic dyes from aqueous solutions is of paramount importance in addressing environmental pollution challenges. Methylene blue (MB), a prevalent cationic dye in various industries, has raised concerns due to its persistence and potential adverse effects on ecosystems. This study explores the design, preparation, and characterization of Polycaprolactone–Chitosan (PCL–CH) nanofibers via electrospinning for the removal of MB. PCL, known for its biodegradability and mechanical properties, serves as the primary matrix, while chitosan (CH), with its biocompatibility and amino functionalities, offers enhanced adsorption potential. The electrospinning process yields nanofibers with tailored compositions and controlled morphology. The synthesized nanofibers are systematically characterized, encompassing structural analysis by Fourier transform infrared (FT–IR), spectroscopy, morphology, and composition assessment via Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), zeta potential, as well as rheological behavior evaluation. The adsorption uptake of MB onto these nanofibers is investigated, considering the influence of solution pH and initial dye concentration. The results reveal significant enhancements in adsorption capacity, especially with the incorporation of CH, with the PCL–CH 30% nanofibers exhibiting outstanding performance. The pH-dependent behavior underscores the importance of environmental factors in the adsorption process, while higher dye concentrations provide a stronger driving force for adsorption. These findings position PCL–CH nanofibers as promising adsorbents for the efficient removal of MB and potentially other organic contaminants from aqueous solutions. The study contributes to the development of sustainable materials for environmental remediation, wastewater treatment, and related applications, aligning with ongoing efforts to address water pollution challenges.
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spelling doaj.art-526088bfd4524cc091012a7c7e21bf432024-02-23T15:22:37ZengMDPI AGJournal of Composites Science2504-477X2024-02-01826810.3390/jcs8020068Design, Preparation, and Characterization of Polycaprolactone–Chitosan Nanofibers via Electrospinning Techniques for Efficient Methylene Blue Removal from Aqueous SolutionsHind M. Saleh0Salim Albukhaty1Ghassan M. Sulaiman2Mosleh M. Abomughaid3Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Misan, Maysan 62001, IraqDepartment of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Misan, Maysan 62001, IraqDivision of Biotechnology, Department of Applied Sciences, University of Technology, Baghdad 10066, IraqDepartment of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha 67714, Saudi ArabiaThe effective removal of organic dyes from aqueous solutions is of paramount importance in addressing environmental pollution challenges. Methylene blue (MB), a prevalent cationic dye in various industries, has raised concerns due to its persistence and potential adverse effects on ecosystems. This study explores the design, preparation, and characterization of Polycaprolactone–Chitosan (PCL–CH) nanofibers via electrospinning for the removal of MB. PCL, known for its biodegradability and mechanical properties, serves as the primary matrix, while chitosan (CH), with its biocompatibility and amino functionalities, offers enhanced adsorption potential. The electrospinning process yields nanofibers with tailored compositions and controlled morphology. The synthesized nanofibers are systematically characterized, encompassing structural analysis by Fourier transform infrared (FT–IR), spectroscopy, morphology, and composition assessment via Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), zeta potential, as well as rheological behavior evaluation. The adsorption uptake of MB onto these nanofibers is investigated, considering the influence of solution pH and initial dye concentration. The results reveal significant enhancements in adsorption capacity, especially with the incorporation of CH, with the PCL–CH 30% nanofibers exhibiting outstanding performance. The pH-dependent behavior underscores the importance of environmental factors in the adsorption process, while higher dye concentrations provide a stronger driving force for adsorption. These findings position PCL–CH nanofibers as promising adsorbents for the efficient removal of MB and potentially other organic contaminants from aqueous solutions. The study contributes to the development of sustainable materials for environmental remediation, wastewater treatment, and related applications, aligning with ongoing efforts to address water pollution challenges.https://www.mdpi.com/2504-477X/8/2/68chitosanelectrospinningmethylene blue dyenanofiberspolycaprolactone
spellingShingle Hind M. Saleh
Salim Albukhaty
Ghassan M. Sulaiman
Mosleh M. Abomughaid
Design, Preparation, and Characterization of Polycaprolactone–Chitosan Nanofibers via Electrospinning Techniques for Efficient Methylene Blue Removal from Aqueous Solutions
Journal of Composites Science
chitosan
electrospinning
methylene blue dye
nanofibers
polycaprolactone
title Design, Preparation, and Characterization of Polycaprolactone–Chitosan Nanofibers via Electrospinning Techniques for Efficient Methylene Blue Removal from Aqueous Solutions
title_full Design, Preparation, and Characterization of Polycaprolactone–Chitosan Nanofibers via Electrospinning Techniques for Efficient Methylene Blue Removal from Aqueous Solutions
title_fullStr Design, Preparation, and Characterization of Polycaprolactone–Chitosan Nanofibers via Electrospinning Techniques for Efficient Methylene Blue Removal from Aqueous Solutions
title_full_unstemmed Design, Preparation, and Characterization of Polycaprolactone–Chitosan Nanofibers via Electrospinning Techniques for Efficient Methylene Blue Removal from Aqueous Solutions
title_short Design, Preparation, and Characterization of Polycaprolactone–Chitosan Nanofibers via Electrospinning Techniques for Efficient Methylene Blue Removal from Aqueous Solutions
title_sort design preparation and characterization of polycaprolactone chitosan nanofibers via electrospinning techniques for efficient methylene blue removal from aqueous solutions
topic chitosan
electrospinning
methylene blue dye
nanofibers
polycaprolactone
url https://www.mdpi.com/2504-477X/8/2/68
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