Synthesis of electrospun PVA nanofibers through variation of applied voltage for methylene blue adsorption

In this study, PVA nanofibers were synthesized and characterized as adsorbents for Methylene Blue (MB) in aqueous solution. The nanofibers were produced using a simple and environmentally friendly electrospinning technique at applied voltages of 15-21 kV. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to assess their performance at different initial MB concentrations. Increasing the applied voltage enhanced the electric field strength across the spinneret-collector gap, leading to greater jet stretching and reduced fiber diameters from 373 to 272 nm. These changes were confirmed by simulation results of electric field distribution. Adsorption tests revealed that higher initial MB concentrations increased adsorption capacity, and the Langmuir model provided the best fit to the experimental data. The maximum adsorption capacity was 19.49 mg/g for fibers produced at 21 kV. Simulation findings also offered valuable insight into the relationship between electrospinning parameters and fiber morphology, showing that voltage plays a key role in determining structural properties and adsorption efficiency. Overall, the results indicate that PVA nanofibers can serve as effective adsorbents for MB removal from wastewater, and the outcomes provide a useful reference for optimizing nanofiber synthesis toward more efficient, controlled, and sustainable fabrication processes.