The Removal of Methyl Orange Using CTA-Aliquat 336 Electrospun Fibers from Aqueous Solution

Abstract

Electrospinning is a versatile method in producing electrospun fibers with facinating features such as high porosity, larger surface to volume ratio and excellent funtionalities. The binding of specific fuctional group to the electrospun fibers has proven them as potential substances in adsorption of pollutants. Thus, this research aimed to investigate the extraction of methyl orange from aqueous solution using electrospun fibers made from cellulose triacetate (CTA) as the base polymer and Aliquat 336 as extractant. The effect of extractant (5-40 wt.%), pH of aqueous solutions (2, 4, 6, 7, 10) and initial dye concentrations (10-50 ppm) were examined to determine the optimal extraction of methyl orange. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed to investigate the functional group of the CTA-Aliquat 336 electrospun fibers at various Aliquat 336 concentration. The presence of positively charged ammonium groups and some C-O and C=O bonding are believed from the interactions of Aliquat 336 and CTA. Based on the results, the optimal extraction for methyl orange achieved was 98 % with CTA electrospun fibers containing 10 wt.% at pH 2 and 10 ppm of initial concentration. Thus, it can be concluded that this electrspun has potential to remove dye from wastewater.