Preparation of MOR/P(S‐co‐VPh) nanofiber composite membrane and its adsorption properties for rubidium ions

Abstract Rubidium (Rb), a rare and precious metal, is widely used in high‐tech fields. In this work the structural advantages of mordenite (MOR) and group affinity of phenolic hydroxyl polymers (poly (styrene‐4‐hydroxystyrene) (P(S‐co‐VPh)) are combined to prepare MOR/P(S‐co‐VPh) nanofiber composite membranes with high selectivity and adsorption specificity for Rb + by electrospinning. The test results show that MOR is successfully anchored on the nanofiber substrate and maintained its complete crystal structure. Adsorption experiments show that the adsorption capacity of Rb + increases with the increase of MOR content, and pH = 9.0, T = 25°C are the best adsorption conditions. K + shows the most obvious interference with the adsorption capacity decreased from 60.03 to 39.33 mg/g. The adsorption process follows with the Langmuir isothermal model and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic equation. The chemical adsorption based on the coordination reaction is the control step, and the intraparticle diffusion also has an important effect on the adsorption rate. The recycling test indicates that the prepared nanofiber composite membrane not only has efficient adsorption of Rb + , but also exhibits excellent regeneration and stability, which helps to achieve its widespread application and long‐term operation in harsh environments.