Preparation of submicron ion-exchange fibers and application in copper ions removal from aqueous solutions

The submicron ion-exchange fibers (IEF) of polystyrene ( PS) and styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer (SIS) blends (80/20, w/w) obtained by electrospinning technology were further sulfonated with sulfuric acid to produce strong acidic cation ion exchange fibers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that there were obvious increase in the diameters, scratches, cracks, and micro-pores on the rough IEF surface. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis showed there were many sulfonated acid groups introduced onto the benzene wreath of styrene. The maximum adsorption capacity and the adsorption rate of copper ions were carried out and their removal rate determined by spectrophotometry. The results of the adsorption for copper ions showed that submicron IEF from PS/SIS blends with a high porosity (85%) and a high specific surface (760 m2/g) possess a rapid adsorption rate and a high ion adsorption amount (305.9 mmg/g). This high adsorption capacity suggests that the IEF can be efficiently applied to filter out toxic metal ions, and has excellent efficiency to remove copper ions from aqueous solution.