In this study, the Pb 2+ adsorption capacity of electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride/graphene oxide (PVDF/GO) membranes with different morphological characteristics and compositions were comprehensively compared. Firstly, the chemical characteristics, morphological characteristics and hydrophobicity relating to the adsorption capacity of electrospun PVDF/GO membranes were investigated through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and water contact angle measurement. Adsorption analysis showed that the adsorption performance of electrospun PVDF/GO increased as GO contents increased. Variations in the average diameter of electrospun PVDF/GO fibres in the range of several micrometres did not cause a distinguishable change in their adsorption capacity. Electrospun PVDF/GO membranes without a porous structure inhibited a low adsorption capacity although they contained a high composition of GO. The modification of electrospun PVDF/GO membranes by adding PEG increased the distribution of GO on the surface of fibres, resulting in a more hydrophilic fibre surface and a notable increase in Pb 2+ adsorption. The adsorption behaviour of Pb 2+ onto electrospun PVDF/GO/PEG membranes was found to be dependent on contact time and pH. Reusability analysis indicated that the electrospun PVDF/GO/PEG membrane maintained a Pb 2+ removal rate of over 80% after six adsorption-desorption cycles. Therefore, electrospun PVDF/GO/PEG membranes might be a promising adsorption material used in filtration systems for heavy metal removal.