Hydrophobic‐Force‐Driven Removal of Organic Compounds from Water by Reduced Graphene Oxides Generated in Agarose Hydrogels

Hydrophobic reduced graphene oxides (rGOs) were generated in agarose hydrogel beads (AgarBs) by NaBH₄ reduction of graphene oxides (GOs) initially loaded in the AgarBs. The resulting rGO‐loaded AgarBs were able to effectively adsorb organic compounds in water as a result of the attractive hydrophobic force between the rGOs in the AgarBs and the organic compounds dissolved in aqueous media. The adsorption capacity of the rGOs was fairly high even toward reasonably water‐soluble organic compounds such as rhodamine B (321.7 mg g^?1) and aspirin (196.4 mg g^?1). Yet they exhibited salinity‐enhanced adsorption capacity and preferential adsorption of organic compounds with lower solubility in water. Such peculiar adsorption behavior highlights the exciting possibility for adopting an adsorption strategy, driven by hydrophobic forces, in practical wastewater treatment processes.     

Use of poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide-co-sodium acrylate) hydrogel to extract cationic dyes and metals from water

Poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide-co-sodium acrylate) hydrogel, which bears negatively charged –COO⁻ groups was used to extract organic or inorganic solutes from water. Some model dyes and metal ions have been studied. Cationic dyes are strongly adsorbed and retained by the polymer while adsorbance of hydrophobic dyes was very low and that of anionic dyes was negligible. Both maximum adsorption and equilibrium binding constant varied from one cationic species to the other depending on the chemical structure of the dye, the presence of functional chemical groups and the hydrophobic–hydrophilic balance. In the case of metal cations, adsorption depended on valence. The hydrogel can be regenerated in an aqueous phase of low pH and thus be reused in several adsorption procedures.     

氧化石墨：制备及去除阳离子染料的性能

以石墨粉为原料按Hummers氧化法制备氧化石墨,借助X射线衍射仪(XRD)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、透射电子显微镜(TEM)、傅里叶变换红外光谱法(FTIR)和低温氮吸附-脱附对氧化石墨的结构和形貌进行了表征。结果表明,氧化石墨是不平整的、具有一定层状结构的褶皱片状,在其表面存在着许多含氧的官能团如:环氧基、羟基、羧基。此外还研究了氧化石墨对阳离子染料的吸附性能,结果表明:吸附过程的等温模型符合Langmuir等温式,对甲基紫、甲基绿、中性红这3种阳离子染料的最大饱和吸附量分别为:741,446和368 mg.g-1;对阳离子染料的吸附过程符合二级动力学方程。氧化石墨作为一种吸附剂能有效的去除阳离子染料与其较高的比表面积和与阳离子染料的静电吸引有关。     

Enhanced adsorption performance of the graphene oxide with metallic ion impurities by elution

The graphene oxides (GOs) with various content of metallic ions impurities were prepared, and the adsorption performance of the GO before and after elution was evaluated. The prepared GOs were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma and atomic force microscopy. The results indicated that the metallic ion impurities hardly affected the interlayer distance, microstructure and thickness of the prepared GOs. The adsorption isotherm and adsorption kinetic results showed that the metallic ions adsorbed on the GO surface had a negative influence on both the adsorption capacity and rate. After eluted by HNO₃ or HCl, most of the metallic ions adsorbed on the GO‐91 surface were ion‐exchanged by the protons of the acid eluents, and the purified GO showed enhanced equilibrium capacities and improved adsorption rate. The elution efficiency of HCl was better than that of HNO₃, and the adsorption capacity and rate of the GO eluted by HCl approximately reached to those of the GO prepared from the graphite with high purity. It indicated that HCl could efficiently remove the metallic ions adsorbed on the GO surface. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Tough poly(L-DOPA)-containing Double Network Hydrogel Beads with High Capacity of Dye Adsorption

Developing a low-cost and well-recyclable adsorbent with high adsorption capacity is greatly desirable in dye wastewater treatment. Here, we demonstrate a kind of novel tough and reusable hydrogel beads with quite high capacity of dye adsorption via incorporating mussel-bioinspired poly(L-DOPA) (PDOPA) into alginate/poly(acrylamide) double network (DN) hydrogels. The synthesized PDOPA nanoaggregates were introduced into the DN hydrogels by simple one-pot mixing with the monomers prior to polymerization. The fabricated hydrogel beads exhibited high mechanical strength and good elastic recovery due to the interpenetrating Ca²⁺-alginate and poly(acrylamide) networks. It was shown that the beads exhibited relatively high dye adsorption capacity compared to other adsorbents reported in literature, and the introduction of PDOPA with an appropriate amount raised the adsorption capacity. It is believed that the addition of PDOPA and the matrix of double network architecture contributed synergistically to the high adsorption capacity of hydrogel beads. Moreover, the desorption of dyes could be easily realized via rinsing in acidic water and ethanol solution. The hydrogel beads remained the high adsorption capacity even after 5 times of adsorption and desorption cycles. This tough and stable hydrogel with high adsorption capacity may have potential in treatment of dye wastewater released by textile dyeing industry.     

Adsorption of Dyes Using Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube Hydrogel

The hydrophilic multi-walled carbon nanotube(MWCNT)hydrogel was prepared using acrylic acid,acrylamide and hydrophilic MWCNT.The orthogonal experiment was applied to optimize the synthetic conditions.The MWCNT hydrogel was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer(FTIR)and scanning electron microscopy(SEM)analysis.The MWCNT hydrogel was used as the adsorbent to adsorb water-soluble cationic dye.This study evaluated the adsorption performance of hydrogels on four dyes of safranine Ts crystal violet,malachite green and methylene blue in water.The effects of the amount of hydrogel,the size of hydrogel,pH;and the temperature on the adsorption performance were investigated.The adsorption kinetic and adsorption isotherm curves were measured.The experimental results show that the MWCNT hydrogel can be easily separated from water and the adsorption capacity is much greater compared to the hydrogel without MWCNT.The MWCNT hydrogels can be used in wastewater treatment with a great potential.     

Pseudopeptide‐Based Hydrogels Trapping Methylene Blue and Eosin Y

We present herein the preparation of four different hydrogels based on the pseudopeptide gelator Fmoc‐l ‐Phe‐d ‐Oxd‐OH (Fmoc=fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl), either by changing the gelator concentration or adding graphene oxide (GO) to the water solution. The hydrogels have been analysed by rheological studies that demonstrated that pure hydrogels are slightly stronger compared to GO‐loaded hydrogels. Then the hydrogels efficiency to trap the cationic methylene blue (MB) and anionic eosin Y (EY) dyes has been analyzed. MB is efficiently trapped by both the pure hydrogel and the GO‐loaded hydrogel through π–π interactions and electrostatic interactions. In contrast, the removal of the anionic EY is achieved in less satisfactory yields, due to the unfavourable electrostatic interactions between the dye, the gelator and GO.     

Dye removal by a novel hydrogel‐clay nanocomposite with enhanced swelling properties

Acrylamide (AAm)‐2‐acrylamide‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid sodium salt (AMPSNa) hydrogel and AAm‐AMPSNa/clay hydrogel nanocomposite having 10 w% clay was prepared by in situ copolymerization in aqueous solution in the presence of a crosslinking agent (N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (NMBA)). Swelling properties and kinetics of the hydrogel samples were investigated in water and aqueous solutions of the Safranine‐T (ST) and Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB) dyes. The swelling and diffusion parameters were also calculated in water and dye solutions. It was observed that the AAm‐AMPSNa/clay hydrogel nanocomposite exhibits improved swelling capacity compared with the AAm‐AMPSNa hydrogel. It was also found that the diffusion mechanisms show non‐Fickian character. Adsorption properties of the hydrogel samples in the aqueous solution of ST and BCB dyes were also investigated. Clay incorporation into the hydrogel structure increased not only the adsorption capacity but also the adsorption rate. Adsorption capacity values of the hydrogel nanocomposite were found to be 484.2 and 494.2 mg g^?1 for the ST and BCB dyes, respectively. It was seen that the adsorption of dyes by the hydrogel nanocomposite completed in 10 min while the AAm‐AMPSNa hydrogel adsorbed dyes approximately in 90 min. Adsorption data of the samples were modelled by the pseudo‐first‐order and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic equations in order to investigate dye adsorption mechanism. It was found that the adsorption kinetics of hydrogel nanocomposite followed a pseudo‐second‐order model. Equilibrium isotherms were analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. It was seen that the Langmuir model fits the adsorption data better than the Freundlich model. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ultrasonic-enhanced synthesis of rubber-based hydrogel for waste water treatment: Kinetic,isotherm and reusability studies

Hydrogel is used as an adsorbent for the removal of dyes and heavy metals in waste water. In this work, different methods of synthesising novel hydrogels from liquid natural rubber (LNR) were investigated. The two different methods were ultrasonic-assisted polymerisation and heating under reflux. Through graft modification, LNR had initially combined with maleic anhydride (MaH) using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as a radical initiator. After grafting, acrylic acid (AA) was crosslinked onto LNR-g-MaH using N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) and potassium persulfate (KPS) as a crosslinker and initiator, respectively. The best method between the two different techniques was identified via a five-level-two-factor response surface methodology (RSM). Higher adsorption percentage (93.34%) was observed in the ultrasonic technique. Meanwhile, the effects of adsorbent mass, dye concentration, pH solution and ionic strength were also investigated and results showed that different conditions were found to give different MG dye adsorption rates. The adsorption of MG dyes on hydrogel is dependent on pH and ionic strength solution. This action indicates an ion exchange mechanism. From an isotherm study, it was found that the Freundlich isotherm best fitted the adsorption of MG dyes. Furthermore, the adsorption kinetic data followed the pseudo-second order kinetic model and the reusability of hydrogel was also investigated.     

Endoperoxides Revealed as Origin of the Toxicity of Graphene Oxide

Potential biomedicinal applications of graphene oxide (GO), for example, as a carrier of biomolecules or a reagent for photothermal therapy and biosensing, are limited by its cytotoxicity and mutagenicity. It is believed that these properties are at least partially caused by GO‐induced oxidative stress in cells. However, it is not known which chemical fragments of GO are responsible for this unfavorable effect. We generated four GOs containing variable redox‐active groups on the surface, including Mn²⁺, C‐centered radicals, and endoperoxides (EPs). A comparison of the abilities of these materials to generate reactive oxygen species in human cervical cancer cells revealed that EPs play a crucial role in GO‐induced oxidative stress. These data could be applied to the rational design of biocompatible nontoxic GOs for biomedical applications.     

氧化石墨烯对水中内分泌干扰物双酚A的吸附性能

以氧化石墨烯(GO)为吸附剂, 内分泌干扰物双酚A (BPA)为目标污染物, 考察了GO对水中BPA的吸附性能. 结果表明: GO对BPA的最大吸附量(q_m)约为87.80 mg·g^-1 (25℃), 30 min左右即可达到吸附平衡, 远快于活性碳; 吸附动力学和等温线数据分别符合准二级动力学模型和Langmuir 吸附模型; 在溶液接近中性和低温的条件下有利于吸附的进行, 在溶液中存在电解质的条件下不利于吸附的进行. GO具有优异的循环吸附性能, 经过多次循环使用后依然可以保持良好的吸附能力. GO对BPA的吸附机理主要是由于GO本身的片状结构以及表面的含氧极性基团, 会与BPA之间产生π-π色散作用和氢键作用. 虽然GO对BPA的吸附能力不如石墨烯, 但是相比于石墨烯, GO表面含有大量极性基团, 具有良好的亲水性, 且GO合成方法相对简单, 可批量生产用于工业污水处理. 因此, 在水处理领域, GO有能力成为新型高效的吸附剂.     

Facile synthesis of mesoporous magnesium oxide–graphene oxide composite for efficient and highly selective adsorption of hazardous anionic dyes

Mesoporous magnesium oxide–graphene oxide composite (MGC) has been synthesized using a facile post-immobilization method by mixing pre-synthesized magnesium oxide (MgO) with graphene oxide (GO). MgO used for fabrication of the composite has been synthesized using an environment-friendly method involving gelatin as a template. XRD, Raman and EDX analyses have confirmed the presence of MgO and GO in the composite. FTIR and SEM analyses of synthesized MGC have further elucidated the surface functionalities and morphology, respectively. Using N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherm, BET surface area of MGC has been calculated to be 55.9 m² g^?1 and BJH analysis confirmed the mesoporous nature of MGC. The application of synthesized MGC as a selective adsorbent for various toxic anionic dyes has been explored. Batch adsorption studies have been carried out to investigate the influence of different adsorption parameters on the adsorption of two anionic dyes: indigo carmine (IC) and orange G (OG). The maximum adsorption capacities exhibited by MGC for IC and OG are 252.4 and 24.5 mg g^?1, respectively. Plausible mechanism of dye adsorption has been explained in detail using FTIR analysis. In a mixture of cationic and anionic dyes, MGC selectively adsorbs anionic dyes with high separation factors, while in binary mixtures of anionic dyes, both dyes are adsorbed efficiently. Thus, MGC has been shown to be a potential adsorbent for the selective removal of anionic dyes from wastewater.

     

Fabrication and characterization of CMC‐based magnetic superabsorbent hydrogel nanocomposites for crystal violet removal

In this research work, novel magnetic superabsorbent hydrogel nanocomposites (MSHNs) based on carboxymethyl cellulose were prepared via a facile “one‐pot” two step approach. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were in situ synthesized and incorporated into carboxymethyl cellulose/poly(acrylic acid) polymer hydrogel. The morphology and chemical composition of MSHNs as well as the presence of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were evaluated by using Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐Ray diffraction, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The effect of different reaction parameters on the swelling capacity of MSHNs was investigated. Furthermore, batch adsorption experiments of crystal violet dye onto MSHNs were studied by varying solution pH, initial dye concentration, and temperature. Evaluation of thermodynamic parameters of crystal violet adsorption confirmed that the adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic process in nature. The equilibrium study revealed that the dye adsorption behavior of MHSNs followed the Redlich‐Peterson isotherm model. Finally, the dye adsorption experiment data was well fitted by the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model with the regression coefficient (R²) of 0.9979. Our results suggest that the MHSNs with facile preparation method, high swelling capacity, and high dye adsorption capacity may be used as promising adsorbents for fast removal of various dyes from aqueous solutions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pressure-responsive AuNPs/Polyacrylamide Nanocomposite Hydrogel with Highly Stable and Tunable Electrochemiluminescence Performances

Synergistically taking the advantage of distinctive porous matrix, luminophore and functional nanoparticles, we prepared functional nanocomposite hydrogel combining the hydrophilic three-dimensional network of hydrogels as matrix for the adsorption of luminophore, Ru(bpy)₃²⁺, and in situ grown gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as the conductive. Interestingly, the designed nanocomposite hydrogel shows external pressure resposnsive properties, which precisely tune the distance between the AuNPs becomes shorter, resulting in a remarkable amplification of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) signals. Additionally, differing from the poor stability of conventional ECL, uniform dispersion of the Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ over nanocomposite hydrogel significantly enhanced the long term stability of ECL.     

氧化石墨烯/聚合物复合水凝胶的研究进展

氧化石墨烯是一种具有单原子厚度的二维材料, 具有优异的力学性能和良好的水分散性, 其表面有大量的含氧官能团. 将氧化石墨烯引入水凝胶体系中可以提高水凝胶的机械性能, 丰富其刺激响应的类型. 目前, 氧化石墨烯水凝胶在高强度、 吸附、 自愈合及智能材料等很多领域均有出色的表现. 氧化石墨烯水凝胶的研究已有10年的历史. 本文总结了氧化石墨烯水凝胶的制备方法, 归纳了智能氧化石墨烯水凝胶在光热响应、 pH响应和自愈合3个方面的响应机理和研究进展, 并综合评述了其在高强度水凝胶、 生物医学、 智能材料和污水处理等方面的应用前景.     

Synthesis and characterization of magnetic poly(acrylic acid) hydrogel fabricated with cobalt nanoparticles for adsorption and catalytic applications

The present study aimed to synthesize poly(acrylic acid) hydrogel embedded with magnetic cobalt (Co) nanoparticles and to investigate their potential in adsorption and catalysis. The hydrogel was prepared by facile free radical polymerization reaction and Co nanoparticles were fabricated within hydrogel by reducing Co (II) ions using NaBH₄ as reducing agent. Co nanoparticles within hydrogel system imparted magnetic properties to the resulting composite gel and also increased the adsorption capacity. The swelling study of hydrogel was carried out by gravimetric analysis. Different functional groups were identified by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy analysis was done to investigate dispersion of Co nanoparticles in hydrogel. The bare hydrogel along with Co nanoparticles loaded gel were tested as adsorbent systems for the removal of a cationic dye (methylene blue) from aqueous solution. 95% removal of methylene blue was achieved with a highest adsorption capacity of 836.5 mg/g of adsorbent. The famous adsorption isotherms were used to evaluate adsorption data. Results showed that Freundlich isotherm model was followed with R² value of 0.95. The hydrogel was also used for catalytic reduction in a toxic pollutant, i.e., 4-nitrophenol. Experimental data for 4-nitrophenol reduction followed pseudo first order kinetics model. Activation energy and apparent rate constant were calculated as 9.24 kJ/mol and 0.24 min⁻¹, respectively. Recycling of the magnetic poly(acrylic acid) hydrogel fabricated with Cobalt nanoparticles was carried out for four consecutive cycles and no significant loss in catalytic activity was observed.

     

Synthesis and Th(IV) sorption characteristics of functionalised graphene oxide

A functionalised graphene oxide (FGO) adsorbent was prepared via the γ-radiation-induced grafting of epichlorohydrin (ECH) onto graphene oxide (GO). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that ECH was successfully introduced to the GO surface. The grafting yield of ECH increased with an increase of the irradiation dose and with a decrease of the irradiation dose rate. The sorption kinetics of Th(IV) on GO and FGO followed the pseudo-second-order model and the sorption isotherms can be described by the Langmuir model. The maximum sorption capacities of GO and FGO for Th(IV) are approximately 5.80 × 10^?4 and 2.88 × 10^?5 mol/L, respectively. GOs is considered as a kind of materials with high radiation resistance and large sorption capacities, ranking it has high potential industrial applications even under strong radiation environment. In addition, the amount of the oxygen-containing functional groups C=O and O=C–O in FGO decrease with the increase of the irradiation dose, which suggests that C=O and O=C–O contribute more than C–O to the sorption of Th(IV) onto GO and FGO.     

Removal of cationic dyes by modified waste biosorbent under continuous model: Competitive adsorption and kinetics

Modified waste sugarcane bagasse (SCB) was prepared to remove cationic dyes: methylene blue and rhodamine B from aqueous solution by using a continuous mode. Effects of flow rate on adsorption of the two dyes in fixed bed column were studied. Competitive adsorption kinetics of the two dyes in binary system was investigated in detail. Results showed that the adsorption capacities of the modified sorbent for methylene blue and rhodamine B in one component system were 1.7 and 0.4 mmol g^?1, respectively. Competitive adsorption process in the binary system could be divided into three phases: free adsorption, substitution adsorption and adsorption equilibrium. 0.19 mmol of rhodamine B absorbed was replaced by 0.35 mmol of methylene blue in the second phase. Simple modified Yoon–Nelson model was used to predict the adsorption kinetics for the first time. The obtained adsorption rate constants for the two dyes in the three phases both followed the order: phase I > phase III > phase II, demonstrating that substitution adsorption phase is the rate determining step. Desorption experiment showed that the loaded two dyes could be separated and recycled by using the mixture solution of HCl (0.1 mol L^?1) and ethanol as eluent. The prepared fixed bed column had great potential in industrial wastewater treatment.     

Fabrication of flexible graphene oxide paper-like adsorbent doped with magnetite nanoparticles for removal of dyes

Organic dyes are used in many industries, e.g., textile, cosmetics and food. Hence, contamination of organic dyes to water sources is a critical issue. To reduce water pollution by organic dyes, we propose a paper-like adsorbent with a practical and economical production procedure. Subsequently, a flexible adsorbent was produced using a one-step approach by vacuum filtration of graphene oxide (GO) and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄-NPs) containing dispersion through a membrane and quoted as GO/Fe₃O₄ paper. For comparison, GO paper was also prepared using the same procedure. Both papers were characterized using UV–VIS absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron diffraction X-ray analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction techniques. At the steady-state conditions, GO/Fe₃O₄ and GO papers were performed as adsorbent for cationic dyes of methylene blue, neutral red, and anionic dyes of methyl orange and fluorescein. In general, the removal efficiency of GO/Fe₃O₄ paper was higher than that of GO paper for adsorption of all dyes and this adsorbent revealed satisfactory adsorption properties for cationic dyes when compared to anionic dyes.

     

Rapid removal of anionic organic dye from contaminated water using a poly(3-aminobenzoic acid/graphene oxide/cobalt ferrite) nanocomposite low-cost adsorbent via adsorption techniques

This research study aims to remove hazardous anionic azo dyes (Congo red (CR)) from aqueous solutions via a simple adsorption method using a poly(3-aminobenzoic acid/graphene oxide/cobalt ferrite) nanocomposite (P3ABA/GO/CoFe₂O₄) as a novel and low-cost nanoadsorbent, as synthesized by a simple and straightforward polymerization method. Typically, 3-aminobenzoic acid (3ABA), as monomer, was chemically polymerized with graphene oxide (GO) and cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄) in an aqueous acidic medium containing an ammonium persulfate initiator. The adsorbent P3ABA/GO/CoFe₂O₄ nanocomposite was characterized using various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive analysis by X-ray and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, vibrating sample magnetometer, and zeta potential techniques. These techniques confirmed the interaction between the poly(3-aminobenzoic acid) with GO and CoFe₂O₄ due to the presence of π-π interactions, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic forces. Herein, the removal efficiency of dye from aqueous solution by the adsorbent was studied according to several parameters such as the pH of the solution, dye concentration, dosage of adsorbent, contact time, and temperature. The adsorption of the dye was fitted using a Langmuir model (R² between 0.9980 and 0.9995) at different temperatures, and a kinetic model that was pseudo-second order (R² = between 0.9993 and 0.9929) at various initial concentrations of CR dye. In addition, the data revealed that the P3ABA/GO/CoFe₂O₄ nanocomposite exhibited a high adsorption capacity (153.92 mg/g) and removal for CR dye (98 %) at pH 5. Thermodynamic results showed the adsorption process was an endothermic and spontaneous reaction. It was found that, in terms of reusability, the P3ABA/GO/CoFe₂O₄ adsorbent can be used for up to six cycles. In this study, P3ABA/GO/CoFe₂O₄ nanocomposites were found to be low cost, and have an excellent removal capability and fast adsorption rate for CR from wastewater via a simple adsorption method. Moreover, this adsorbent nanocomposite could be simply separated from the resultant solution and recycled.