Removal of Uranium by Polymer Metal Oxide Nanofiber Composites: Enhanced Performance through Integration of Phthalic Acid.

ABSTRACT: We developed polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers embedded with various commercially available metal oxide particles (Fe₂O₃, TiO₂, MnO₂, Co₃O₄, CoFe₂O₄, ZnFe₂O₄) via electrospinning for the removal of uranium (U-(VI)) from aqueous systems. We compared the performance of composites electrospun with and without the inclusion of phthalic acid (PTA), building on our prior evidence that PTA can promote particle dispersion in precursor sol-gels. Characterization using SEM, TEM, XPS, and BET confirmed that PTA results in improved metal oxide distribution within the polymer fiber, promotes enrichment of metal oxides on the nanofiber surface, and increases composite surface area and porosity.

SUBMITTER: Kim S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12670384 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature