Facile access to mesoporous Al₂O₃ nanofibers with ribbon-like structure for adsorptive removal of Congo red dye from water

Organic dye contamination in water was a non-negligible threat to the environment. Mesoporous Al2O3 nanofibers had been ideal and effective adsorbents for dye adsorption. Based on cost, security, and practicability, in this work, mesoporous Al2O3 nanofibers with ribbon-like structure were prepared by electrospinning technology employing aluminum nitrate (AN) and polyvinyl butyral (PVB) as starting materials. Spinning solution was acquired by mixing the AN aqueous and PVB ethanol solutions. During the calcination of as-spun nanofibers at 600-1200 degrees C, mesopores emerged due to the decomposition of PVB. The evolution of pore structure and microstructure of fibers were characterized. Samples prepared at 800 degrees C had the highest BET surface area (96.2 m(2)g(-1)) and the strongest adsorption capacity for Congo red (230.41 mgg(-1)). Adsorption processes fitted well with pseudo-2nd-order and Freundlich isotherm models. Ideal reuse performance of fibers favored their practical applications in water treatment technologies.