Biosorption of Co(II), Cr(III), Cd(II), and Pb(II) Ions from Aqueous Solution Using Nonliving Neochloris Pseudoalveolaris Deason & Bold: Equilibrium,Thermodynamic, and Kinetic Study

In this study, biosorption of cobalt(II), chromium(III), cadmium(II), and lead(II) ions from aqueous solution was studied using the algae nonliving biomass (Neochloris pseudoalveolaris, Np) as natural and biological sorbents. The effect of pH, contact time, temperature, and metal concentration on the adsorption capacity of metal ions was investigated. The maximum adsorption capacities for Co(II), Cr(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) were found to be 20.1, 9.73, 51.4 and 96.2 mg/g at the optimum conditions, respectively. The experiments showed that when pH increased, an increase in the adsorption capacity of the biomass was observed too. The kinetic results of adsorption obeyed a pseudo second-order model. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models were applied to experimental equilibrium data of metal ions adsorption and the value of R _L for Pb(II), Cb,(II), Co(II), and Cr(III) was found to be 0.376, 0271, 0872, and 096, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters related to the adsorption process such as E _a , ΔG ⁰, ΔH ⁰, and ΔS ⁰ were calculated. ΔH ⁰ values (positive) showed that the adsorption mechanism was endothermic. Weber-Morris and Urano-Tachikawa diffusion models were also applied to experimental equilibrium data. The algae biomass was effectively used as a sorbent for the removal of metal ions from aqueous solutions.     

Chemical modification of activated carbon surface with iron functional groups for efficient separation of vanadium: batch and column study

In this study, iron functional groups-impregnated activated carbon (IIAC) composite was prepared as a novel adsorbent for vanadium separation. Adsorption experiments were performed in batch and column systems, and the effects of various operating parameters, such as solution pH, initial concentration, contact time, and temperature, were evaluated. The kinetic data confirmed the validity of the pseudo-second-order kinetic model for vanadium adsorption on IIAC. The sorption equilibrium data were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models. The results showed that IIAC has a vanadium ions adsorption capacity of 313 mg g^?1. The activation and thermodynamic parameters were determined using kinetics and equilibrium data. The experimental data of the column adsorption process were fitted by Thomas and BDST models. The results showed that Thomas model can well describe the breakthrough curves. The column experiments showed that IIAC composite has good adsorption performance for vanadium ions adsorption.

     

Adsorption of acridine yellow G from aqueous solutions using functionalized graphene nanoplatelets/modified polybutadiene hybrid composite

This paper presents an analysis of adsorption of acridine yellow G (AYG) from aqueous solutions through the use of functionalized grapheme nanoplatelets/modified polybutadiene hybrid composite (FGNPs/MPB). The adsorption of AYG onto FGNPs/MPB was investigated based on the AYG concentration, pH, contact time, temperature, and adsorbent dose. A maximum adsorption capacity was obtained at a pH of 7 (23.7 mg/g), an adsorbent dose of 1.0 g/L (20.8 mg/g), and an initial AYG concentration of 28.5 mg/L (16.9 mg/g). The value of q_e of FGNPs/MPB increases with an increase in temperature from 293 to 323 K. Equilibrium isotherm data were analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The Langmuir model best describes the adsorption processes of AYG, which showed that the monolayer adsorption capacity of FGNPs/MBP is 22.9 mg/g. The pseudofirst-order, pseudosecond-order, and intraparticle diffusion models were used to study the kinetics of the AYG adsorption onto FGNPs/MPB. The pseudosecond-order model better described kinetic data for the adsorption of AYG onto FGNPs/MPB. Thermodynamic parameters, such as the Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy, indicated that the AYG adsorption onto FGNPs/MPB was spontaneous feasible, and endothermic.     

Equilibrium,kinetic and thermodynamic biosorption studies of Hg(II) on red algal biomass of Porphyridium cruentum

Among a variety of microbial materials employed for biosorption, algae have added advantages of non-toxic and autotrophic nature. In this study, biosorption of Hg(II) was studied with red algal biomass of Porphyridium cruentum. The parameters affecting biosorption such as dosage of biosorbent, pH, contact time, initial metal concentration, temperature and effect of foreign metal cations in binary system were evaluated. Kinetic data were described with the help of pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models were applied to adsorption equilibrium data. According to the results, the maximum removal capacity (q_max) was 2.62?mg/g observed at pH 7 with 0.25?g/L of biosorbent dosage for Hg(II) solution containing 10?mg/L of metal ions. The Langmuir isotherm model fits best to the adsorption data while the kinetic data followed the pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamics studies showed that the biosorption process of Hg(II) on P. cruentum was exothermic in nature.     

Modified <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhizopus arrhizus</Emphasis> biomass for sorption of <Superscript>241</Superscript>Am and other radionuclides

The improvement and the refinement of non-viable Rhizopus arrhizus biomass were investigated via immobilization. Immobilization was carried out by using sodium alginate/CaCl₂ solution and formaldehyde/HCl cross-linking with dead Rhizopus arrhizus biomass and were used for the sorption of radionuclides from low level effluent wastes. The sodium alginate/CaCl₂ immobilized biomass (ratio 1:2) showed about 86% sorption for ²⁴¹Am activity but due to its soft nature and tendency to undergo distortion in shape, is unsuitable for practical applications. The biomass cross-linked with 15% formaldehyde/0.1 M HCl solution has a relatively high mechanical strength and rigidity. It was showing a sorption of >99% for ²⁴¹Am activity and has the sorption capacity of ~65 mg/g for americium and uranium. Hence, it can be utilized for the removal of radionuclides from radioactive waste effluents.     

Distribution threshold values of CaCl<Subscript>2</Subscript> onto the 10X-zeolite and macro-pore silica gel

The calcium chloride used for adsorption separation of ammonia is promising for its large adsorptive capacity and lower desorption temperature, but difficult to develop because of the liable expansion, lump and chip in the adsorption/desorption process. Composite adsorbents made by monolayer dispersion of calcium chloride onto carriers with high surface areas exhibit better adsorptive capacity and stability. Several models were developed to confirm the maximum monolayer dispersion capacity of calcium chloride onto the carriers (the distribution threshold value), and the closely packed monolayer dispersion model was considered the most suitable for this study. The distribution threshold values given by this model were 0.60 g CaCl₂/(g 10X-zeolite) and 0.38 g CaCl₂/(g SiO₂). When the divalent salt was dispersed onto the carriers, however, anions were separated into two types, causing that the entropy of the system tended to increase and the system was not stable. To minimize the entropy, a new model was put forward as the modified closely packed monolayer dispersion model. Based on this model, the distribution threshold values are 0.52 g CaCl₂/(g 10X-zeolite) and 0.33 g CaCl₂/(g SiO₂), respectively. The distribution threshold values were also gained experimentally by XRD quantitative phase analysis: 0.61 g CaCl₂/(g 10X-zeolite) and 0.31 g CaCl₂/(g SiO₂). Comparison between experimental values of distribution threshold with theoretical ones based on two different model showed that the closely packed monolayer dispersion model fits the monolayer dispersion of calcium chloride onto micro-pore carrier —10X-zeolite, and the modified closely packed monolayer dispersion model is more suitable for the bigger aperture carrier —macro-pore silica gel. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 20576080)     

Removal of Lead by Merlinoite Prepared from Sugarcane Bagasse Ash and Kaolin: Synthesis,Isotherm, Kinetic,and Thermodynamic Studies

This study introduces a merlinoite synthesized from sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) and kaolin and evaluates its application as an adsorbent to remove lead from wastewater. The synthesis was performed via the hydrothermal method, and optimal conditions were determined. The adsorption of Pb by merlinoite was also optimized. Determination of the Pb²⁺ remaining in the aqueous solution was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Adsorption isotherms were mainly studied using the Langmuir and Freundlich models. The Langmuir model showed the highest consistency for Pb adsorption on merlinoite, yielding a high correlation coefficient (R²) of 0.9997 and a maximum adsorption capacity (q_max) of 322.58 mg/g. The kinetics of the adsorption process were best described by a pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic studies carried out at different temperatures established that the adsorption reaction was spontaneous and endothermic. The results of this study show that merlinoite synthesized from kaolinite and SBA is an excellent candidate for utilization as a high-performance adsorbent for lead removal from wastewater.     

Activated Carbon/Pectin Composite Enterosorbent for Human Protection from Intoxication with Xenobiotics Pb(II) and Sodium Diclofenac

The use of enterosorbents—materials which can be administered orally and eliminate toxic substances from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) by sorption—offers an attractive complementary protection of humans against acute and chronic poisoning. In this study, we report the results of developing a microgranulated binary biomedical preparation for oral use. It was designed with a core-shell structure based on pectin with low degree of esterification as the core, and nanoporous activated carbon produced from rice husk, AC-RH, as the shell, designated as AC-RH@pectin. The adsorption properties of the synthesized materials were studied in aqueous solutions for the removal of lead (II) nitrate as a representative of toxic polyvalent metals and sodium diclofenac as an example of a medicinal drug. The composite enterosorbent demonstrated high adsorption capacity for both adsorbates studied. Adsorption kinetics of lead and diclofenac adsorption by AC-RH, pectin, and AC-RH@pectin, fitted well a pseudo-second-order model. According to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model, the best fitted isotherm model, the maximum adsorption capacity, q_max, of AC-RH@pectin for diclofenac and for lead (II) was 130.9 mg/g and 227.8 mg/g, respectively. Although q_max of AC-RH for diclofenac, 537.6 mg/g, and q_max of pectin for lead (II), 245.7 mg/g, were higher, the maximum adsorption capacity of AC-RH for lead (II), 52.7 mg/g, was much lower than that of the composite AC-RH@pectin and the adsorption capacity of pectin for diclofenac was negligible. Therefore, the composite material AC-RH@pectin demonstrated substantial efficiency of removing both species which potentially defines it as a more universal enterosorbent suitable for treating poisoning caused by substances of different chemical nature.     

Boron Removal from Aqueous Solutions by Adsorption on Waste Sepiolite and Activated Waste Sepiolite Using Full Factorial Design

In the present paper, boron removal from aqueous solution by adsorption was investigated and 2³ full factorial design was applied. Non activated waste sepiolite (NAWS) and HCl activated waste sepiolite (AWS) were used as adsorbents. Regression equation formulated for boron adsorption was represented as a function of response variables. The results obtained from the study on parameters showed that as pH increased and temperature decreased boron removal by adsorption increased. Adsorbed boron amount on AWS was higher than that of NAWS. Maximum boron removal was obtained at pH 10 and 20°C for both adsorbents. Adsorption data obtained from batch adsorption experiments carried out with NAWS and AWS fitted to the Langmuir equation. The batch adsorption capacities were found in mg/g: 96.15 and 178.57 for NAWS and AWS, respectively. The capacity value for column study was obtained by graphical integration as 219.01 mg/g for AWS. The Thomas and the Yoon-Nelson models were applied to experimental data to predict the breakthrough curves and to determine the characteristic parameters of the column useful for process design.     

Removal of uranium(VI) from aqueous solution using citric acid modified pine sawdust: batch and column studies

This study described adsorption of uranium(VI) by citric acid modified pine sawdust (CAMPS) in batch and fixed-bed column modes at 295 K. The equilibrium adsorption data were analyzed by Langmuir, Freundlich, Koble–Corrigan and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models. The results indicated that the Langmuir and Koble–Corrigan models provided the best correlation of the experimental data. The Elovish model was better to fit the kinetic process, which suggested that ion exchange was one of main mechanism. The effective diffusion parameter D _i values indicated that the intraparticle diffusion was not the rate-controlling step. In fixed-bed column adsorption, the effects of bed height, feed flow rate, and inlet uranium (VI) concentration were studied by assessing breakthrough curve. The Thomas, the Yan and the bed-depth/service time (BDST) models were applied to the column experimental data to determine the characteristic parameters of the column adsorption. The results were implied that CAMPS may be suitable as an adsorbent material for adsorption of uranium (VI) from an aqueous solution.     

Lead ion adsorption from aqueous solutions in modified Algerian montmorillonites

The adsorption of lead (II) ions on three Algerian montmorillonites (sodium, non-sodium, and acidic-activated) was studied. Transmission electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray fluorescence and physical adsorption of gases were used to characterize the clays. This characterization has shown than the activation with acid increases the surface area as a consequence of the rupture of the laminar structure. The effect of the pH in the lead adsorption capacity was analyzed. The results show that adsorption is strongly depended on the pH. At low pH values, the mechanism that governs the adsorption behavior of clays is the competition of the metal ions with protons. Between pH 2 and 6, the main mechanism is an ion exchange process. The kinetics of the adsorption is tested with respect to pseudo-first-order and second-order models. The adsorption process, gives a better fit with the Langmuir isotherm, being the monolayer capacity ranging between 18.2 and 24.4?mg?g^?1. The adsorption of lead decreased in the order Acidic-M₂?>?M₂?>?M₁. Thermodynamic parameters such as ??H, ??S, and ??G were calculated. The adsorption process was found to be endothermic and spontaneous. The enthalpy change for Pb(II) by M₁ adsorption has been estimated as 60?kJ?mol^?1, indicating that the adsorption of Pb(II) by all montmorillonites used corresponds to a physical reaction. The adsorption capacity of washed Acidic-M₂ was very high compared to M₂ and M₁.     

Preparation and application of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers for the isolation of chelerythrine from Macleaya cordata

A novel type of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer was prepared for the selective enrichment and isolation of chelerythrine from Macleaya cordata (Willd) R. Br. The magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers were prepared using functional Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ as a magnetic support, chelerythrine as template, methacrylic acid as functional monomer, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross‐linker. Density functional theory at the B3LYP/6‐31G (d, p) level with Gaussian 09 software was applied to calculate the interaction energies of chelerythrine, methacrylic acid and the complexes formed from chelerythrine and methacrylic acid in different ratios. The structural features and morphology of the synthesized polymers were characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and vibration sample magnetometry. Adsorption experiments revealed that the magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers possessed rapid kinetics, high selectivity, and a higher binding capacity (7.96 mg/g) to chelerythrine than magnetic molecularly non‐imprinted polymers (2.36 mg/g). The adsorption process was in good agreement with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order kinetics models. Furthermore, the magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers were successfully employed as adsorbents for the extraction and enrichment of chelerythrine from Macleaya cordata (Willd) R. Br. The results indicated that the magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers were suitable for the selective adsorption of chelerythrine from complex samples such as natural medical plants.     

Biosorption of lead (II) from aqueous solution using Cellulose-based Bio-adsorbents prepared from unripe papaya (Carica papaya) peel waste: Removal Efficiency,Thermodynamics, kinetics and isotherm analysis

This work focuses on the removal of lead from contaminated aqueous solutions using unripe papaya peel based bio-adsorbents (PP). Response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken design (BBD) is employed to determine the independent variables. Optimum conditions proved to be 96.5 mg/L of initial lead concentration in solution, at pH 4 of aqueous solution, having adsorbent dosage of 14.6 g/L and contact time (3 h) which subsequently yielded the predicted and actual lead removal efficiencies of 100% and 97.54%, respectively. Adsorption isotherms and kinetics of lead adsorption using unripe papaya peel followed the Freundlich and pseudo-second-order models, indicating that the process of chemisorption occurred. The magnitude of the adsorption capacity of the pseudo-second-order model (q_e,cal = 6.25 mg/g) was found to be comparable to the value obtained experimentally (q_e,cal = 6.45 mg/g). Thermodynamic parameters were calculated in order to identify the phenomena of adsorption. The values of ΔH° and ΔS° are found to be 13.61 J/mol and 54.30 J/mol?K, respectively. The characteristics of unripe papaya peel bio-adsorbents, analyzed via SEM/EDX, FTIR and BET, are also presented. Thus, the O-H and C-O functional groups contained in the unripe papaya peel waste were found to effectively adsorb lead from the aqueous medium. The average pore diameters, average pore volumes and average surface area of bio-adsorbents prepared from unripe papaya peel waste proved to be 9.046 nm, 0.0012 cm³/g and 0.755 m²/g, respectively.     

Enhanced Formaldehyde‐Vapor Adsorption Capacity of Polymeric Amine‐Incorporated Aminosilicas

Airborne formaldehyde, which is a highly problematic volatile organic compound (VOC) pollutant, is adsorbed by polymeric amine‐incorporated silicas (aminosilicas), and the factors that affect the adsorption performance are systematically investigated. Three different types of polymeric amines 1) poly(ethyleneimine) branched (PEIBR); 2) poly(ethyleneimine) linear (PEILI); and 3) poly(allylamine) (PAA) are impregnated into two types of porous silicas [SBA‐15 and mesocellular foam (MCF) silicas] with systematic changes of the amine loadings. The adsorption results demonstrate that the adsorption capacity increases along with the amine loading until the polymeric amines completely fill the silica pores. This results in the MCF silica, which has a larger pore volume and hence can accommodate more polymeric amine before completely filling the pore, giving materials that adsorb more formaldehyde, with the largest adsorption capacity, q, of up to 5.7 mmol_HCHO g^?1 among the samples studied herein. Of the three different types of polymers, PAA, comprised of 100 % primary amines, showed the highest amine efficiency μ (mmol_HCHO/mmol_N) for capturing formaldehyde. The chemical structures of the adsorbed formaldehyde are analyzed by ¹³C cross‐polarization magic‐angle spinning (CP‐MAS) NMR, and it is demonstrated that the adsorbed formaldehyde is chemically attached to the aminosilica surface, forming hemiaminal and imine species. Because the chemical adsorption of formaldehyde forms covalent bonds, it is not desorbed from the aminosilicas below 130 °C based on temperature‐programed‐desorption (TPD) analysis. The high formaldehyde‐adsorption capacity and stability of the trapped formaldehyde on the amine surface in this study reveal the potential utility of aminosilicas as formaldehyde abatement materials.     

Adsorption of U (VI) ions from aqueous solution using silicon dioxide nanopowder

The adsorption kinetics for removal of uranium (V1) from aqueous solution using silicon dioxide nanopowder (nano-SiO₂) was investigated in batch and continuous techniques. Pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order were used to analyze the kinetics of batch experiments. In continuous technique the important parameters (initial concentration, flow rate and bed height) on the breakthrough curves were studied and the adsorption kinetics was analyzed using Thomas and Yoon and Nelson kinetic models. The comparison between the kinetic models was evaluated by the correlation coefficients (r²). The results indicated that the batch experiments fitted well with pseudo second-order kinetic model. The comparison of the experimental breakthrough curve to the breakthrough profile obtained from Thomas and Yoon and Nelson methods showed a satisfactory fit for silicon dioxide nanopowder.     

土壤中正丁基黄原酸钾与铅离子的吸附特性研究

通过静态试验研究了土壤对正丁基黄原酸钾的吸附性能和影响因素,以及正丁基黄原酸钾-铅复合污染体系的吸附平衡与动力学特征。结果表明,土壤对正丁基黄原酸钾的吸附过程遵循Lagergren二级动力学模型,等温吸附可用Freundlich模型拟合,提高温度有利于吸附,土壤对正丁基黄原酸钾的吸附属于内扩散控制过程;土壤吸附正丁基黄原酸钾最佳p H范围为5~9,p H较低时正丁基黄原酸钾易被酸解,碱性环境(p H10)将抑制土壤对正丁基黄原酸钾的吸附;正丁基黄原酸钾与Pb2+形成难溶络合物而严重影响了Pb2+在土壤中的吸附,使Pb2+的吸附速率常数由38.319g/(mg·min)提高到70.350g/(mg·min),平衡吸附量(qe)由1.909mg/g降低到1.385mg/g,且影响程度随着Pb2+浓度的升高而减弱。     

An efficient p-tetranitrocalix[4]arene based adsorbent for the removal of carbofuran from aqueous media

Present study describes the adsorption of carbofuran (CF) from aqueous solutions using p-tetranitrocalix[4]arene based modified silica through batch and column methods. Various parameters were optimized including initial pesticide concentrations (5 mg L^?1), pH (2–10), contact time (60 min) and adsorbent dosage (30 mg). Modified silica was characterized by FT-IR and scanning electron microscope. The adsorption was further explained by Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) models. Moreover, adsorption kinetics and adsorption thermodynamics were also investigated. Adsorption in dynamic mode was evaluated by breakthrough volumes and the Thomas model, applying batch conditions using 30 mg of modified silica at pH 5. It has been noticed that CF removal efficiency of modified silica was 98 % as compared to bare silica (48 %). Adsorption of CF on modified silica was found to be multilayer and physical in nature. Consequently, adsorption obeys pseudo-second-order kinetic equation following external mass transfer diffusion process as the rate-limiting step. Thermodynamic parameter (ΔG, ΔS, ΔH) values suggest that the adsorption of CF is spontaneous and exothermic in nature. Thomas model rate constant k _TH (cm³ mg^?1 min^?1) and maximum solid phase concentration (q _o mg g^?1) was found to be 0.52 and 12.3, respectively, in dynamic mode.     

Surface‐imprinted microspheres prepared by a template‐oriented method for the chiral separation of amlodipine

The surface imprinting technique has been developed to overcome the mass‐transfer difficulty, but the utilization ratio of template molecules in the imprinting procedure still remains a challengeable task to be improved. In this work, specifically designed surface‐imprinted microspheres were prepared by a template‐oriented method for enantioseparation of amlodipine besylate. Submicron mesoporous silica microspheres were surface‐modified with double bonds, followed by polymerizing methacrylic acid to generate carboxyl modified mesoporous silica microspheres (PMAA@SiO₂). Afterwards, PMAA@SiO₂ was densely adsorbed with (S )‐amlodipine molecules to immobilize template molecules through multiple hydrogen bonding interactions. Then surface molecular imprinting was carried out by cross‐linking the carboxyl group of PMAA@SiO₂ with ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether. The surface‐imprinted microspheres showed fast binding kinetics of only 20 min for equilibrium adsorption, and the saturation adsorption capacity reached 137 mg/g. The imprinted materials displayed appreciable chiral separation ability when used as column chromatography for enantioseparation of amlodipine from amlodipine besylate, and the enantiomeric excess of (S )‐amlodipine reached 13.8% with only 2.3 cm column length by no extra chiral additives. Besides, the imprinted materials exhibited excellent reusability, and this allows the potential application for amplification production of amlodipine enantiomer.     

Amin-functionalized magnetic-silica core-shell nanoparticles for removal of Hg2+ from aqueous solution

Magnetic nanoparticles with monodisperse shape and size were prepared by a simple method and covered by silica. The prepared core-shell Fe₃O₄@silica nanoparticles were functionalized by amino groups and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques. The synthesized nanoparticles were employed as an adsorbent for removal of Hg²⁺ from aqueous solutions, and the adsorption phenomena were studied from both equilibrium and kinetic point of views. The adsorption equilibriums were analyzed using different isotherm models and correlation coefficients were determined for each isotherm. The experimental data were fitted to the Langmuir–Freundlich isotherm better than other isotherms. The adsorption kinetics was tested for the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and Elovich kinetic models at different initial concentrations of the adsorbate. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model describes the kinetics of the adsorption process for amino functionalized adsorbents. The maximum adsorption occurred at pH 5.7 and the adsorption capacity for Fe₃O₄@silica-NH₂ toward Hg²⁺ was as high as 126.7 mg/g which was near four times more than unmodified silica adsorbent.     

Cobalt–Carbon Nanoparticles with Silica Support for Uptake of Cationic and Anionic Dyes from Polluted Water

Silica-supported hierarchical graphitic carbon sheltering cobalt nanoparticles Co-HGC@SiO₂ (1) were prepared by pyrolysis at 850 °C of [Co(phen)(H₂O)₄]SO₄·2H₂O complex with silica in the presence of pyrene as a carbon source under nitrogen atmosphere. Nanocomposites (2) and (3) were obtained by acid treatment of (1) with HCl and HF acid, respectively. The nanocomposites showed rough hierarchical carbon microstructures over silica support decorated with irregular cobalt nanospheres and nanorods 50 to 200 nm in diameter. The nanoparticles consist of graphitic shells and cobalt cores. SEM, EDAX and TEM elemental mapping indicate a noticeable loss of cobalt in the case of (2) and loss of cobalt and silica in the case of (3) with an increase in porosity. Nanocomposite (3) showed the highest BET surface area 217.5 m²g⁻¹. Raman spectrum shows defect D-band and graphitic G-band as expected in carbon nanostructures. PXRD reveals the presence of cobalt(0) nanoparticles. XPS indicates the presence of Co(II) oxides and the successful doping of nitrogen in the nanocomposites. Moreover, TEM elemental mapping provides information about the abundance of Si, Co, C, N and S elements in zones. Nanocomposite (1) showed maximum uptake capacity of 192.3 and 224.5 mg/g for crystal violet CV and methyl orange MO dyes, respectively. Nanocomposite (2) showed a capacity of 94.1 and 225.5 mg/g for CV and MO dyes, respectively. Nanocomposite (4) obtained after treatment of (1) with crystal violet proved successful adsorption of CV. Co-HGC (5) prepared without addition of silica has a capacity for CV equal to 192 mg/g, while it is 769.2 mg/g with MO. Electrostatics and π–π interactions of graphite and cobalt species in the nanocomposites with aromatic rings of cationic and anionic dyes are responsible for the adsorption. Yan et al. was the best model to describe column kinetics. The thomas column adsorption model showed that the maximum uptake capacity of (1) was 44.42 mg/g for CV and 32.62 mg/g for MO. for a column packed with 0.5 gm of (1) and dye concentration of 100 mg/L at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The column was recycled three times with no noticeable clogging or degradation of nanocomposites. Thus, Co-HGC@SiO₂ adsorbents can be used efficiently to treat water contaminated with cationic and anionic dyes.