Thiol-functionalized cellulose nanofiber membranes for the effective adsorption of heavy metal ions in water

This work reports the fabrication of a thiol-functionalized cellulose nanofiber membrane that can effectively adsorb heavy metal ions. Thiol was incorporated onto the surface of cellulose nanofibers, which were fabricated by the deacetylation of electrospun cellulose acetate nanofibers and subsequent esterification of a thiol precursor molecule. Adsorption mechanism was investigated using adsorption isotherms. Adsorption capacity as a function...