Bio-Adsorbent from Carboxymethyl Cellulose and Tannin for Dye Adsorption

A bio-adsorbent was prepared by the crosslinking reaction of a tannin based phenolic resin and carboxymethyl cellulose with epichlorohydrin as crosslinker. The water absorption ratio of the adsorbent decreased due to the introduction of the phenolic resin based on tannin but the adsorption properties of the adsorbent for methylene blue were improved due to the introduction of the phenolic hydroxyl groups from the tannin in comparison with the carboxymethyl cellulose based adsorbent cross-linked with epichlorohydrin. The maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent for methylene blue was 1300mg/g and the adsorption process for methylene blue was exothermic. The adsorption ratio of the adsorbent for methylene blue was over 98% for an adsorbent dosage of 2.5 g/L when the concentration of methylene blue in solution was lower than 2000mg/L. The adsorbent can process wastewater containing methylene blue in the pH range of 4–12.