Investigation of Nickel Removal from Water by Electrospun Alumina Nanofiber Adsorbent

Environmental pollution due to heavy metals has increased enormously in the world in the last two centuries. The presence of some heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems is a continuous hazard to human health. Electrospinning technology is the most effective way to produce nanofibers. In this study, the technology of producing nanofiber aluminum for maximum separation of nickel through the adsorption process has been investigated. In this research, nanofiber alumina has been synthesized by electrospinning method. Spinning solution with a concentration of 10% by weight of aluminum precursor was selected. Considering different weight ratios of polymer to precursor, the electrolysis process was better selected. The stable spinning voltage was in the range of 17-20 kV and the flow rate was 0.5 ml/h. Eventually, XRD, SEM, FTIR, and Raman tests were performed to ensure the formation of nanoparticles and to determine their physical, chemical, and morphological structure. The pH, contact time, nano-adsorption value, pollutant concentration, and solution volume parameters were evaluated. Therefore, the optimal conditions for separating nickel-metal were provided and isothermal and kinetic absorption calculations were performed for it. The results indicate that the best conditions for nickel adsorption by this type of nano-adsorbent occurs at pH=8, a contact time of 60 minutes, nano-adsorbent in the amount of 0.05 gr, concentration of 5 mg/L of nickel metal and the solution volume of 50 ml and it has been 99%. In addition, the adsorbent behavior was consistent with the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms and the first and second-degree quasi-quintet kinetic models. Finally, it is clear that the method of nanofiber aluminum synthesis by electrospinning is complex but at the same time very practical and effective, leading to its use as a new and promising solution in removing nickel metal ions from water.