Functionalised electrospun membranes (TETA-PVC) for the removal of lead(ii) from water

Driven by the need for delivering sustainable water purification solutions for the removal of heavy metals from water, electrospun PVC membranes were functionalised with triethylenetetramine (TETA) and were used to remove lead(ii) ions selectively from water. The membranes were characterised and their adsorption behavior towards the removal of lead from water was investigated. The incorporation of TETA on the membrane's surface significantly improved the removal efficiency of lead(ii) up to 99.8% in 30 minutes and under ambient conditions, with the lowest concentration of 50 ppm. The adsorption mechanism was investigated and kinetic data showed a better correlation with the pseudo-second-order model. Similarly, the equilibrium data best fitted with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model with a relatively high maximum adsorption capacity of 1250 mg g⁻¹ for lead(ii) ions, larger than recently reported adsorption capacities for similar membranes. The functionalised membrane also showed high selectivity to lead(ii) in a mixed solution containing lead(ii), mercury(ii), cadmium(ii), arsenic(iii), copper(ii), and zinc(ii). The functionalised membrane was regenerated, where desorption of lead(ii) was achieved, under mildly acidic conditions. The removal efficiency of the regenerated membrane after six cycles of adsorption/desorption was maintained at a high level of 98%. The proposed design offers a simple yet effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly solution for water treatment.