Functionalized faujasite zeolite immobilized on poly(lactic acid) composite fibers to remove dyes from aqueous media

An adsorbent based on faujasite zeolite (FAU)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composite fibers was prepared by electrospinning technique and used for the removal of dyes from contaminated water. FAU particles concentration effect from PLA and the flow rate were evaluated on fibers production. Uniform fibers were produced increasing PLA concentration from 10 to 15% w/v. For FAU/PLA composite, uniform fibers were obtained with regular particles distribution on the polymer matrix by FAU adding 20% w/w at an optimal flow rate (2.0 mL h(-1)). The adsorption assays using the composite reveal a promising material for cationic dyes removal in aqueous medium using adsorption process, maintaining efficiencies above 80% for rhodamine B and 90% for methylene blue after 90 min. In addition, the FAU/PLA composite fibers allowed their use as a potential adsorbent material easily removed from the medium by mechanical forces. (c) 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48561.