Abstract

Navicula algae are major contributors to water pollution, including its taste and odour. In this study, new Co-MOF/PVA polymeric fibrous nanostructures were synthesized by incorporation of Co-MOF in the PVA fibrous network using ultrasound-assisted electrospinning route. The results obtained from the different analyses showed that the physicochemical properties of the final product were improved compared to pure Co-MOF nanostructures. It seems that the type of synthesis route, as well as the incorporation of nanostructures, has a great effect on the properties of the final Co-MOF/PVA samples. Due to the properties of the products such as high thermal stability (273 degrees C), narrow crystalline size (35 nm), and homogenous morphology, the Co-MOF/PVA fibrous nanostructures samples have been used as a novel candidate for removing Navicula Algae from drinking water. The 2(k-1) experimental design results showed that the rate of algae removal by these nanostructures is about 98%. To achieve the desired performance of the Co-MOF/PVA nanofibrous network, RSM was used. This optimization methodology facilized the experimental conditions of the removal rate of about 99.96%.