Tailored MWCNTs/SnO2 decorated cellulose nanofiber adsorbent for the removal of Cu (II) from waste water

Functionalized cellulose nanofiber (CNF) was enhanced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and tin oxide (SnO2) forming hybrid CNF/MWCNTs/SnO2 nanocomposite structure in the form of nonwoven fiber membrane by the aid of both electrospinning and laser ablation techniques to be used for the removal of Cu (II) ions from waste water. The confirmation and investigation of the nanocomposite membrane was carried by infrared red spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission and scanning electron microscope, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. They showed the vibrating absorption peaks of the SnO2 and the graphite structure, the presence of the elemental analysis consisting of the composite structure, and the diffraction peaks of SnO2 and graphite crystalline structure. Finally, the adsorption possibility of the modified electrospun nonwoven membrane toward Cu2+ ions was investigated with the effect of pH, contact time and concentration of both adsorbent and metal ion to reach the optimum condition for Cu (II) removal.