Electrospun PVC/Graphene Composite Nanosponges for Oil Spill Cleanup

Abstract Oil spills in aquatic environments are catastrophic events that pose a significant global environmental challenge. This study addresses these issues by developing innovative poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) nanofiber mats enhanced with nanographene particles, leveraging their exceptional surface area and unique graphene properties. Recent advances in graphene technology have highlighted its versatility in various fields; however, this work uniquely applies these advancements to oil spill remediation. Embedding nanographene particles into PVC nanofibers using electrospinning resulted in a significant enhancement in mechanical properties and functionality. The nanographene particles were synthesized and incorporated into an aqueous PVC solution at varying concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% by weight). The electrospinning technology produced PVC nanofibers with graphene, resulting in nano-rough surfaces, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. The nanofiber mats exhibited a remarkable 210% increase in tensile strength at a graphene concentration of 1.5% compared to pure PVC mats, demonstrating the enhanced mechanical performance of the material. Moreover, these nanocomposites exhibited improved oil-spreading kinetics, positioning them highly effective for oil sorption applications. This study presents a novel integration of graphene and PVC nanofibers to create multifunctional materials tailored for environmental remediation. This highlights the potential of nanographene to significantly enhance the mechanical and functional properties of PVC nanofibers, thereby providing a foundation for future advancements in hybrid nanocomposite materials for sustainable and practical applications.