Rapid and effective preparation of a HPEI modified biosorbent based on cellulose fiber with a microwave irradiation method for enhanced arsenic removal in water

Herein, we report a facile and rapid route for the preparation of hyperbranched polyethylenimine (HPEI) modified cellulose fiber (CellMW-HPEI) as an effective biosorbent for the removal of inorganic arsenic. Benefiting from microwave irradiation (MW), the grafting of this coating agent with a large molecular size was achieved efficiently according to FTIR, SEM and elemental analysis. The adsorption properties of the modified biosorbent including equilibrium isotherms, kinetics and the effects of pH and temperature were explored. The results revealed that the experimental data well fitted Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models. The high density of amine groups on the modified fiber surface is believed to enhance the adsorption of arsenic ions due to electrostatic attraction and surface complexation in the binding process. Compared with other biosorbents reported previously, CellMW-HPEI fibers could be promptly prepared and the uptake amounts for arsenic ions were enhanced, simultaneously. Thus, this work will help facilitate the research on novel biosorbents for the removal of arsenic from water.