Abstract

Herein we report the anionization of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) via pad-batch process using sodium
chloro-acetate. The cellulose acetate nanofibers (CANF) were fabricated through electrospinning and
converted into CNF by deacetylation. The average fiber diameter of anionic cellulose nanofibers (f-
CNF) was ca. 330±5 nm; calculated through the Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images. The
conversion of CANF to CNF to f-CNF was confirmed through the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)
spectroscopy. The adsorption experiments were conducted at batch mode. The adsorption capacity
increased with increasing nanofiber weight 60mg and time 60min. This membrane has quite high
adsorption especially magnesium. The adsorption capacities of f-CNF were determined by putting
the experimental adsorption data in the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm model.The
adsorption behavior of cations can be well described by Langmuir adsorption model and maximum

adsorption capacity of calcium and magnesium was estimatedbe 62.5mg/g and 60.6mg/g.