Fabrication and characterization of composite cryobeads based on chitosan and starches-g-PAN as efficient and reusable biosorbents for removal of Cu2+, Ni2+, and Co2+ ions

Starch-based self-assembled three-dimensional network nanostructure materials for sustainable cascade adsorption

Toward the development of a sustainable utilization strategy for adsorption materials, a starch-based adsorbent starch-chitosan-tannic acid (St-CTS-TA) with a three-dimensional (3D) structure was fabricated in water via electrostatic and hydrogen bonding reactions between St, CTS, and TA without using toxic reducing agents or special instruments. St-CTS-TA demonstrated a high specific surface area of 37 m2/g as well as a mesoporous/macroporous distribution ranging from 30 to 80 nm, which enhanced the mass transfer of adsorbate and the exposure of catechol groups in TA. The Langmuir isotherm adsorption model revealed that the highest adsorption capacities of St-CTS-TA for Fe3+ and Co2+ were 1678.2 and 944.8 mg/g, respectively. Surprisingly, the specific surface area of St-CTS-TA increased from 37 to 87 and 42 m2/g after Fe3+ and Co2+ adsorption, respectively, and the resulting St-CTS-TA-Fe and St-CTS-TA-Co could continuously adsorb basic fuchsin (BF) and rhodamine B (RhB). The adsorption capacities of St-CTS-TA-Fe and St-CTS-TA-Co for BF/RhB were found to be 1854.79/401.19 mg/g and 2229.77/537.49 mg/g, respectively, based on the Langmuir isotherm adsorption model.

UV-radiation manufacturing of natural macromolecular products salecan and tannic acid-based functional gel material as superadsorbent for toluidine blue remediation

Adsorbent materials constructed from natural macromolecular products are favored because of their wide range of sources, biodegradability, and environmental friendliness. Salecan is a novel extracellular polysaccharide with ideal physicochemical and biological activities. Here, we have designed a polymer gel through UV-initiated polymerization of [2-(Methacryloyloxy) ethyl] dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide (SBMA) in the mixture of salecan and tannic acid. Photopatterned polymerization process allowed in situ formation of gel adsorbent in a mild reaction condition with energy-efficient manner. Batch experiments for toluidine blue (TB) adsorption were carried out as a function of initial dye concentration, solution pH, contact time, and gel dosage to examine the adsorption capacity, potential mechanism, and removal efficiency. Adsorption behavior exhibited a pH-dependence pattern, which was closely related to their swelling and morphological properties. Adsorption process was in conformity to pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models, unlocking a chemical adsorption behavior and monolayer-type removal. The maximum adsorption was 490.2 mg/g, which could be considered a superiorly competing value. Additionally, the UV-gel still showed desirable recyclability and maintained the adsorption effectiveness over 95 % after five regeneration cycles. This study opened up new prospects in preparing high performance adsorbent for TB decontamination and laid the foundation for polysaccharide-based adsorption material research.

Starch-chitosan blends: A comprehensive review on the preparation, physicochemical properties and applications

Starch and chitosan, polysaccharides derived from natural sources, have significant potential across various domains. Starch is extracted from starch-bearing plants, such as potatoes, whereas chitosan is obtained from the exoskeletons of marine animals, fungi and insects. However, the original forms of starch and chitosan have several limitations, such as low solubility and weak mechanical strength. Interestingly, the combined effects of starch and chitosan resulted in the development of starch-chitosan blends with markedly improved functional properties. These blends demonstrated high tensile strength, improved hydrophilicity and increased adsorption capacity. Furthermore, modification of starch-chitosan blends by techniques such as crosslinking and incorporation of other functional materials contributes to diverse characteristics and functionalities. This review addresses a crucial gap in the literature by providing an overview and up-to-date analysis of starch-chitosan blends. The preparation methods and functional properties of these blends in various forms, such as films, beads and hydrogels, have been extensively discussed. Emphasis is placed on the versatile applications of these blends in research, development and industries such as pharmaceuticals, wastewater treatment, agriculture and food technology. This review aims to provide an insightful overview of starch-chitosan blends and stimulate broader interdisciplinary research interests. By providing concluding insights and prospects, this review highlights the potential for further exploration of the impact of starch-chitosan blends on consumers and the environment.

Environmentally Benign Freeze-dried Biopolymer-Based Cryogels for Textile Wastewater Treatments: A review

Motivated by sustainability and environmental protection, great efforts have been paid towards water purification and attaining complete decolorization and detoxification of polluted water effluent. Textile effluent, the main participant in water pollution, is a complicated mixture of toxic pollutants which seriously impact human health and the entire ecosystem. Developing effective materials for potential removal of the water contaminants is urgent. Recently, cryogels have been applied in wastewater sectors due to their unique physiochemical attributes(e.g. high surface area, lightweight, porosity, swelling-deswelling, and high permeability). These features robustly affected the cryogel's performance, as adsorbent material, particularly in wastewater sectors. This review serves as a detailed reference to the cryogels derived from biopolymers and applied as adsorbents for the purification of textile drainage. We displayed an overview of: the existing contaminants in textile effluents (dyes and heavy metals), their sources, and toxicity; advantages and disadvantages of the most common treatment techniques (biodegradation, advanced chemical oxidation, membrane filtration, coagulation/flocculation, adsorption). A simple background about cryogels (definition, cryogelation technique, significant features as adsorbents, and the adsorption mechanisms) is also discussed. Finally, the bio-based cryogels dependent on biopolymers such as chitosan, xanthan, cellulose, PVA, and PVP, are fully discussed with evaluating their maximum adsorption capacity.

Chitosan/Poly(maleic acid-alt-vinyl acetate) Hydrogel Beads for the Removal of Cu2+ from Aqueous Solution

Covalent cross-linked hydrogels based on chitosan and poly(maleic acid-alt-vinyl acetate) were prepared as spherical beads. The structural modifications of the beads during the preparation steps (dropping in liquid nitrogen and lyophilization, thermal treatment, washing with water, and treatment with NaOH) were monitored by FT-IR spectroscopy. The hydrogel beads have a porous inner structure, as shown by SEM microscopy; moreover, they are stable in acidic and basic pH due to the covalent crosslinking. The swelling degree is strongly influenced by the pH since the beads possess ionizable amine and carboxylic groups. The binding capacity for Cu2+ ions was examined in batch mode as a function of sorbent composition, pH, contact time, and the initial concentration of Cu2+. The kinetic data were well-fitted with the pseudo-second-order kinetic, while the sorption equilibrium data were better fitted with Langmuir and Sips isotherms. The maximum equilibrium sorption capacity was higher for the beads obtained with a 3:1 molar ratio between the maleic copolymer and chitosan (142.4 mg Cu2+ g-1), compared with the beads obtained using a 1:1 molar ratio (103.7 mg Cu2+ g-1). The beads show a high degree of reusability since no notable decrease in the sorption capacity was observed after five consecutive sorption/desorption cycles.

Schiff base functionalized dialdehyde starch for enhanced removal of Cu (II): Preparation, performances, DFT calculations

Dialdehyde starch modified by 2-hydrazinopyridine (HYD-DAS) based on the reaction of dialdehyde starch (DAS) and 2-hydrazinopyridine was synthesized and characterized by FT-IR spectra, element analysis and SEM. HYD-DAS can efficiently adsorb Cu (II) ion to demonstrate visual color changes from yellow to dark brown in aqueous solutions. The influence on HYD-DAS to Cu (II) adsorption including pH value of solution, isotherm, kinetics, thermodynamics and possible mechanism had also been examined. Batch experiments indicate that HYD-DAS's to Cu (II) adsorption reaches equilibrium within 250 min, and its adsorption capacity and rate are 195.75 mg/g and 98.63 %, respectively. Moreover, HYD-DAS to Cu (II) adsorption remains robust and underscoring after five cycles to exhibit good selectivity and reusability. Kinetics studies suggest the absorption process follows a quasi-second-order with isotherms aligning to the Langmuir monolayer model, and thermodynamics reveals that it is a spontaneous endothermic nature of adsorption. Based on the analyses of XPS and DFT calculations, a possible mechanism for HYD-DAS to Cu (II) adsorption is that Cu (II) combined with nitrogen atoms from Schiff base and hydrazine pyridine ring in HYD-DAS.

Co2+-adsorbed chitosan-grafted-poly(acrylic acid) hydrogel as peroxymonosulfate activator for effective dye degradation

In this work, chitosan-grafted-poly(acrylic acid) (CS-g-PAA) was synthesized for use as a Co2+ adsorbent and circularly utilized as a peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activator in the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye. CS-g-PAA demonstrated 3.7 times higher adsorption capacity toward Co2+ than pristine chitosan. The impact of the adsorption conditions was evaluated. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model best described the adsorption process. Under optimum conditions, the adsorption capacity of CS-g-PAA for Co2+ was 212 mg/g. The Co2+-adsorbed CS-g-PAA hydrogel was further utilized in the RhB degradation process. The effects of catalyst dosage, initial RhB concentration, pH, and the coexistence of anions on the degradation of RhB were studied. The hydrogel catalyst could remove 98 % of RhB within 5 min, at a degradation rate of 0.624 per min. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis and the radical scavenger experiment suggested that SO4•-, HO•, 1O2, and O2•- were involved in the degradation. Furthermore, when tested in various water systems, high degradation efficiencies of 98 % were attained after 20 min. The hydrogel catalyst performed excellent degradation over ten cycles without any chemical recovery processes. Moreover, high degradation efficiencies were observed between 95 % and 98 % when tested with other dyes.

A state-of-the-art review on plant-derived cellulose-based green hydrogels and their multifunctional role in advanced biomedical applications

The most prevalent carbohydrate on Earth is cellulose, a polysaccharide composed of glucose units that may be found in diverse sources, such as cell walls of wood and plants and some bacterial and algal species. The inherent availability of this versatile material provides a natural pathway for exploring and identifying novel uses. This study comprehensively analyzes cellulose and its derivatives, exploring their structural and biochemical features and assessing their wide-ranging applications in tissue fabrication, surgical dressings, and pharmaceutical delivery systems. The use of diverse cellulose particles as fundamental components gives rise to materials with distinct microstructures and characteristics, fulfilling the requirements of various biological applications. Although cellulose boasts substantial potential across various sectors, its exploration has predominantly unfolded within industrial realms, leaving the biomedical domain somewhat overlooked in its initial stages. This investigation, therefore, endeavors to shed light on the contemporary strides made in synthesizing cellulose and its derivatives. These innovative techniques give rise to distinctive attributes, presenting a treasure trove of advantages for their compelling integration into the intricate tapestry of biomedical applications.

Preparation of a novel CSM@ZIF-67 composite microsphere to facilitate Congo red adsorption from dyeing wastewater

ABSTRACTChitosan (CS) is commonly used as an adsorbent for wastewater treatment because of its low cost, strong adsorption properties, and high availability of raw materials required for its production. However, CS exhibits limited adaptability to pH, poor mechanical properties, and high swelling in aqueous media; these limitations restrict its widespread use. To address these issues, herein, zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) is loaded onto crosslinked CS microspheres (CSM) to prepare CSM@ZIF-67, a composite adsorbent. Next, the CSM@ZIF-67 is applied to the treatment of Congo red (CR) dye, which is typically present in printing and dyeing wastewater. The results demonstrate that the in situ synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) on CSM improve the dispersion of MOFs and preserve the morphology of the MOFs. The adsorption equilibrium of CSM@ZIF-67 is reached within 150 min, and its adsorption capacity is as high as 538.4 mg/g at a pH of 9 and temperature of 25 °C. The CR adsorption process is consistent with the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models, thus revealing that chemisorption is the primary rate-limiting step, and the pollutants are adsorbed on the adsorbent surface in a monolayer. Experiments on material cycling and regeneration performance reveal that the removal efficiency of CSM@ZIF-67 remains above 90%, even after five rounds of adsorption. CSM@ZIF-67 has abundant functional groups and adsorption sites and can efficiently remove CR through mutual interactions between the metal coordination effect, π-π conjugation, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions.

A Comprehensive Review of Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels as Promising Biomaterials

Polysaccharides have emerged as a promising material for hydrogel preparation due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low cost. This review focuses on polysaccharide-based hydrogels' synthesis, characterization, and applications. The various synthetic methods used to prepare polysaccharide-based hydrogels are discussed. The characterization techniques are also highlighted to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of polysaccharide-based hydrogels. Finally, the applications of SAPs in various fields are discussed, along with their potential benefits and limitations. Due to environmental concerns, this review shows a growing interest in developing bio-sourced hydrogels made from natural materials such as polysaccharides. SAPs have many beneficial properties, including good mechanical and morphological properties, thermal stability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, abundance, economic viability, and good swelling ability. However, some challenges remain to be overcome, such as limiting the formulation complexity of some SAPs and establishing a general protocol for calculating their water absorption and retention capacity. Furthermore, the development of SAPs requires a multidisciplinary approach and research should focus on improving their synthesis, modification, and characterization as well as exploring their potential applications. Biocompatibility, biodegradation, and the regulatory approval pathway of SAPs should be carefully evaluated to ensure their safety and efficacy.

Polysaccharide-Based Composite Hydrogels as Sustainable Materials for Removal of Pollutants from Wastewater

Nowadays, pollution has become the main bottleneck towards sustainable technological development due to its detrimental implications in human and ecosystem health. Removal of pollutants from the surrounding environment is a hot research area worldwide; diverse technologies and materials are being continuously developed. To this end, bio-based composite hydrogels as sorbents have received extensive attention in recent years because of advantages such as high adsorptive capacity, controllable mechanical properties, cost effectiveness, and potential for upscaling in continuous flow installations. In this review, we aim to provide an up-to-date analysis of the literature on recent accomplishments in the design of polysaccharide-based composite hydrogels for removal of heavy metal ions, dyes, and oxyanions from wastewater. The correlation between the constituent polysaccharides (chitosan, cellulose, alginate, starch, pectin, pullulan, xanthan, salecan, etc.), engineered composition (presence of other organic and/or inorganic components), and sorption conditions on the removal performance of addressed pollutants will be carefully scrutinized. Particular attention will be paid to the sustainability aspects in the selected studies, particularly to composite selectivity and reusability, as well as to their use in fixed-bed columns and real wastewater applications.

Amine-bilayer-functionalized cellulose-chitosan composite hydrogel for the efficient uptake of hazardous metal cations and catalysis in polluted water

Herein, we represent a novel ecofriendly bilayer-amine group incorporated microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)/chitosan (CS) hydrogel, fabricated via integrating polydopamine (PDA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) for reliable and effective extraction of copper (Cu²⁺), zinc (Zn²⁺), and nickel (Ni²⁺) ions from effluents. Owing to abundant adsorptive sites, the MCC-PDA-PEI/CS-PDA-PEI hydrogel showed excellent Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Ni²⁺ adsorbabilities of ~434.8, ~277.7, and ~261.8 mg/g, respectively, in a single-ion adsorption system with the adsorption kinetics and isotherm complied with pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, respectively. In a multi-ion adsorption system, hydrogel removes mixed metal cations with slightly higher selectivity for Cu²⁺. In accordance with X-ray photoelectron and Fourier-transform-infrared spectrometric analyses, a plausible binding mechanism of metal cations on the as-prepared hydrogel was proposed by chelation between hydrogel functional groups and metal ions. In the repetitive adsorption/desorption experiments, the hydrogel retained >40% metal ion adsorption and desorption capacities after four cycles. Furthermore, the Cu²⁺-adsorbing hydrogel could serve as a support for the in situ development of Cu nanoparticles, which showed excellent catalytic performance as demonstrated by the transformation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol. This work provides a novel ecofriendly, reusable, and highly-efficient adsorbent, as well as a biocatalyst for remediation of heavy metal cations and 4-NP polluted effluents.

Recent Advances in Polysaccharide-Based Physical Hydrogels and Their Potential Applications for Biomedical and Wastewater Treatment

Polysaccharides have been widely employed to fabricate hydrogels owing to their intrinsic properties including biocompatibility, biodegradability, sustainability, and easy modification. However, a considerable amount of polysaccharide-based hydrogels are prepared by chemical crosslinking method using organic solvents or toxic crosslinkers. The presence of reaction by-products and residual toxic substances in the obtained materials cause a potential secondary pollution risk and thus severely limited their practical applications. In contrast, polysaccharide-based physical hydrogels are preferred over chemically derived hydrogels and can be used to address existing drawbacks of chemical hydrogels. The polysaccharide chains of such hydrogel are typically crosslinked by dynamic non-covalent bonds, and the co-existence of multiple physical interactions stabilize the hydrogel network. This review focuses on providing a detailed outlook for the design strategies and formation mechanisms of polysaccharide-based physical hydrogels as well as their specific applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, wound healing, and wastewater treatment. The main preparation principles, future challenges, and potential improvements are also outlined. The authors hope that this review could provide valuable information for the rational fabrication of polysaccharide-based physical hydrogel. The specific research works listed in the review will provide a systematic and solid research basis for the reliable development of polysaccharide-based physical hydrogel. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Chitosan-Based Polyelectrolyte Complex Cryogels with Elasticity, Toughness and Delivery of Curcumin Engineered by Polyions Pair and Cryostructuration Steps

Chitosan (CS)-based drug delivery systems (DDSs) are often stabilized by chemical cross-linking. A much more friendly approach to deliver drugs in a controlled manner is represented by polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) physically stabilized by spontaneous interactions between CS and natural or synthetic biocompatible polyanions. PECs with tunable structures, morphologies, and mechanical properties were fabricated in this paper by an innovative and sustainable strategy. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) or poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate sodium salt) were used as aqueous solutions, while CS microparticles were evenly dispersed in the polyanion solution, at pH 6.5, where CS was not soluble. Cryostructuration of the dispersion in two steps (5 min at −196 °C, and 24 h at −18 °C), and freeze-drying at −55 °C, 48 h, conducted to pre-PEC cryogels. Next step was rearrangement of complementary polyions and the complex formation inside the pore walls of cryogels by exposure of the pre-PECs at a source of H⁺. PEC cryogels with impressive elasticity and toughness were engineered in this study by multiple-cryostructuration steps using CMC as polyanion with a molar mass of 250 kDa and an optimum concentration of polyanion and polycation. The performances of PEC cryogels in sustained delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs such as curcumin were demonstrated.

Synthesis, characteristics, and applications of modified starch nanoparticles: A review

Nowadays, starch nanoparticles (SNPs) are drawing attention to the scientific community due to their versatility and wide range of applications. Although several works have extensively addressed the SNP production routes, not much is discussed about the SNPs modification techniques, as well as the use of modified SNPs in typical and unconventional applications. Here, we focused on the SNP modification strategies and characteristics and performance of the resulting products, as well as their practical applications, while pointing out the main limitations and recommendations. We aim to guide researchers by identifying the next steps in this emerging line of research. SNPs esterification and oxidation are preferred chemical modifications, which result in changes in the functional groups. Moreover, additional polymers are incorporated into the SNP surface through copolymer grafting. Physical modification of starch has demonstrated similar changes in the functional groups without the need for toxic chemicals. Modified SNPs rendered differentiated properties, such as size, shape, crystallinity, hydrophobicity, and Zeta-potential. For multiple applications, tailoring the aforementioned properties is key to the performance of nanoparticle-based systems. However, the number of studies focusing on emerging applications is fairly limited, while their applications as drug delivery systems lack in vivo studies. The main challenges and prospects were discussed.

Enhancing the functional properties of rice starch through biopolymer blending for industrial applications: A review

Rice starch has been used in various agri-food products due to its hypoallergenic properties. However, rice starch has poor solubility, lower resistant starch content with reduced retrogradation and poor functional properties. Hence, its industrial applications are rather limited. The lack of comprehensive information and a holistic understanding of the interaction between rice starch and endo/exogenous constituents to improve physico-chemical properties is a prerequisite in designing industrial products with enhanced functional attributes. In this comprehensive review, we highlight the potentials of physically mixing of biopolymers in upgrading the functional characteristics of rice starch as a raw material for industrial applications. Specifically, this review tackles rice starch modifications by adding natural/synthetic polymers and plasticizers, leading to functional blends or composites in developing sustainable packaging materials, pharma- and nutraceutical products. Moreover, a brief discussion on rice starch chemical and genetic modifications to alter starch quality for the deployment of rice starch industrial application is also highlighted.

An Overview on Composite Sorbents Based on Polyelectrolytes Used in Advanced Wastewater Treatment

Advanced wastewater treatment processes are required to implement wastewater reuse in agriculture or industry, the efficient removal of targeted priority and emerging organic & inorganic pollutants being compulsory (due to their eco-toxicological and human health effects, bio-accumulative, and degradation characteristics). Various processes such as membrane separations, adsorption, advanced oxidation, filtration, disinfection may be used in combination with one or more conventional treatment stages, but technical and environmental criteria are important to assess their application. Natural and synthetic polyelectrolytes combined with some inorganic materials or other organic or inorganic polymers create new materials (composites) that are currently used in sorption of toxic pollutants. The recent developments on the synthesis and characterization of composites based on polyelectrolytes, divided according to their macroscopic shape-beads, core-shell, gels, nanofibers, membranes-are discussed, and a correlation of their actual structure and properties with the adsorption mechanisms and removal efficiencies of various pollutants in aqueous media (priority and emerging pollutants or other model pollutants) are presented.

Ion-imprinted sponge produced by ice template-assisted freeze drying of salecan and graphene oxide nanosheets for highly selective adsorption of mercury (II) ion

As a kind of potential heavy metal absorbent, polysaccharide-based materials are limited by the complicated preparation method and bad selectivity toward targeted ion. Here, a fantastic sponge was produced by combining salecan and graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets via ice template-assisted freeze drying and ion-imprinting technologies. The intense intermolecular interactions between salecan and GO gave the sponge high stability. The swelling, morphology, and mechanical stiffness of the material showed highly dependent on the salecan content. Additionally, the influence of salecan content, pH, initial ion concentration, and contact time on Hg²⁺ adsorption was extensively investigated. Adsorption kinetics and equilibrium isotherms perfectly fitted in the pseudo-second-order and Freundlich models, reflecting the multilayer chemical-adsorption mediated mechanism. Most strikingly, the ion-imprinted sponge exhibited strong selectivity toward Hg²⁺ and outstanding stability with recyclability over usage of five times. These investigations provide the guidance for the construction of promising polysaccharide-based adsorbents for the remediation of Hg²⁺-polluted water.

Alkali assisted hydrophobic reinforcement of coconut fiber for enhanced removal of cationic dyes: equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamic insight

The present study illustrates enhanced removal of methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG) from water using alkali-activated coconut fiber (ACF) as adsorbent. Alkali activation effectively reduces the lignocellulosic components present within coco-fiber which in turn reinforces the coco-fiber to become more water-stable. The material was characterized by FTIR, SEM-EDS, BET, XRD, and pH_ZPC. BET surface area was found to be 10.901 m² g^-1, whereas pH_ZPC of the material is 6.05. FESEM images reveal rod-like morphology. Batch experiments were optimized with respect to contact time (0-120 min), temperature (288-308 K), pH (3-10), dose (1-5 g) and input dye concentration (10-50 mg L^-1). The maximum adsorption coefficient was found to be 133.11 and 110.74 mg g^-1 for MB and MG respectively. Adsorptions are best described by pseudo-second-order kinetics (k_MB = 1.712, R² = 0.999; k_MG = 1.399, R² = 0.999) and Langmuir isotherm model (R² = 0.999). Thermodynamic data suggests a spontaneous (ΔG, -14 kJ mol^-1) and feasible process. Spent material could be regenerated by using 0.5 M HCl. Up to 50% retention of activities was seen after five cycles. It can be concluded that alkali-activated coconut fiber is an economic and sustainable choice for dye removal. Novelty statement: Spent coconut was converted into an effective biosorbent by simple alkali activation under ambient conditions to increase the hydrophobicity of the fibers by reducing the lignocellulosic components. Two cationic dyes; methylene blue and malachite green have been efficiently removed with adsorption capacities of 133.11 and 110.74 mg g^-1. The operation is simple, economically viable, and partially fulfills the principles of green engineering. Comparing with contemporary adsorbents, this material offers higher adsorption capacities with multi-cycle reusability and enhanced water stability.

Novel green chitosan-pectin gel beads for the removal of Cu(II), Cd(II), Hg(II) and Pb(II) from aqueous solution

Chitosan-pectin gel beads (CPBs) were synthesized via a facile and green method and applied to remove heavy metals from aqueous solution. The structural characteristics of CPBs were investigated by SEM and FTIR, the mechanical strength of CPBs was measured by Texture Analyzer and the stability of CPBs was evaluated in acidic solution. To study the adsorption characteristics, the effect of pH, contact time, initial heavy metals concentration, temperature, adsorption mechanism and regeneration were systematically investigated. The adsorption kinetics fitted well pseudo-second-order model, and the adsorption isotherms were well described by Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacities of Cu(II), Cd(II), Hg(II) and Pb(II) were 169.4, 177.6, 208.5 and 266.5 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption-desorption experiments revealed that the CPBs exhibited a great reusability. Thus, the synthesized CPBs in this study had the potential to be utilized as an environment-friendly and green adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals.

Development of polyaminated chitosan-zirconium(IV) complex bead adsorbent for highly efficient removal and recovery of phosphorus in aqueous solutions

The aim of this work is to examine the adsorption performance and mechanism of phosphorus (P) onto polyethyene polyamine (PEPA) grafted chitosan-zirconium(IV) composite beads (CS-Zr-PEPA) from aqueous solutions. The morphology, functional groups, and surface area of the CS-Zr-PEPA beads were characterized by SEM, FTIR, and BET analysis. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted via different operating parameters such as solution pH, initial phosphate concentration, co-existing anions and temperature. The adsorption kinetics, equilibrium isotherms and adsorption stability of the adsorbent were scrutinized. In comparison with other CS-based beads, the CS-Zr-PEPA had a greater affinity towards P and exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 103.96 mg-P/g predicted by Langmuir mode. The reusability studies of CS-Zr-PEPA beads were carried out. The CS-Zr-PEPA beads exhibit preferable sequestration of P through specific interactions, as further demonstrated by studying physicochemical characteristics of the virgin beads and P-adsorbed beads using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The column performance of CS-Zr-PEPA beads was tested with P-containing wastewater. Results indicated that the developed CS-Zr-PEPA composite beads could be utilized as a promising adsorbent for effective removal and recovery of P from water and wastewater.

Rational Design of Polyamine-Based Cryogels for Metal Ion Sorption

Here we report the method of fabrication of supermacroporous monolith sorbents (cryogels) via covalent cross-linking of polyallylamine (PAA) with diglycidyl ether of 1,4-butandiol. Using comparative analysis of the permeability and sorption performance of the obtained PAA cryogels and earlier developed polyethyleneimine (PEI) cryogels, we have demonstrated the advantages and disadvantages of these polymers as sorbents of heavy metal ions (Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Ni(II)) in fixed-bed applications and as supermacroporous matrices for the fabrication of composite cryogels containing copper ferrocyanide (CuFCN) for cesium ion sorption. Applying the rate constant distribution (RCD) model to the kinetic curves of Cu(II) ion sorption on PAA and PEI cryogels, we have elucidated the difference in sorption/desorption rates and affinity constants of these materials and showed that physical sorption contributed to the Cu(II) uptake by PAA, but not to that by PEI cryogels. It was shown that PAA cryogels had significantly higher selectivity for Cu(II) sorption in the presence of Zn(II) and Cd(II) ions in comparison with that of PEI cryogels, while irreversible sorption of Co(II) ions by PEI can be used for the separation of Ni(II) and Co(II) ions. Using IR and Mössbauer spectroscopy, we have demonstrated that strong complexation of Cu(II) ions with PEI significantly affects the in situ formation of Cu(II) ferrocyanide nanosorbents leading to their inefficiency for Cs⁺ ions selective uptake, whereas PAA cryogel was applicable for the fabrication of efficient monolith composites via the in situ formation of CuFCN or loading of ex situ formed CuFCN colloids.

Removal and Separation of Heavy Metal Ions from Multicomponent Simulated Waters Using Silica/Polyethyleneimine Composite Microparticles

Composite solid surfaces with high content of functional groups (FGs) are useful materials in different types of applications requiring stimuli-responsive "hard/soft" architectures, their improved properties rising from the combination of organic-inorganic parts. Among different types of weak polyelectrolytes, poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) is of great interest in the construction of composite systems with thin layer-by-layer (LbL) organic films due to the large number of amino groups per unit mass of polymer. Herein, the spherical silica microparticles were modified with linear (L) or branched (B) PEI chains using LbL deposition of a copper complex (PEIL-Cu²⁺ or PEIB-Cu²⁺) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), glutaraldehyde selective cross-linking, followed by copper and PAA extraction from the multilayer. The newly formed silica/(PEIL)₁₀ and silica/(PEIB)₁₀ composites were used in batch and column sorption/desorption experiments of four heavy metal ions (Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, and Cd²⁺). In noncompetitive conditions ([FG]/Σ[M²⁺] > 9), all heavy metal ions were retained on composites, demonstrating the potential application of the prepared functional microparticles in surface water treatment. However, in competitive conditions ([FG]/Σ[M²⁺] < 9), only Cu²⁺ is sorbed in high amount (∼2.5 mmol·g^-1 PEI) on composites, with simultaneous displacement of already sorbed ions, demonstrating the solid-phase extraction and chromatographic properties of the synthesized silica/(PEIL)_n and silica/(PEIB)_n composites.

A Comparative Study on Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Fe3+, and Cr3+ Metal Ions Removal from Industrial Wastewaters by Chitosan-Based Composite Cryogels

Materials coming from renewable resources have drawn recently an increased attention in various applications as an eco-friendly alternative in the synthesis of novel functional materials. Polysaccharides, with their prominent representative - chitosan (CS), are well-known for their sorption properties, being able to remove metal ions from dilute solutions either by electrostatic interactions or chelation. In this context, we proposed here a comparative study on Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Fe3+, and Cr3+ metal ions removal from industrial wastewaters by CS-based composite cryogels using batch technique. The composite cryogels consisting of CS embedding a natural zeolite, namely clinoptilolite, were synthesized by cryogelation, and their sorption performance were compared to those of CS cryogels and of acid-activated zeolite. A deeper analysis of thermodynamics and kinetics sorption data was performed to get insights into the sorption mechanism of all metal ions onto sorbents. Based on the optimized sorption conditions, the removal of the above-mentioned ions from aqueous solutions by the composite sorbent using dynamic technique was also evaluated.

Extended Rate Constants Distribution (RCD) Model for Sorption in Heterogeneous Systems: 2. Importance of Diffusion Limitations for Sorption Kinetics on Cryogels in Batch

Here we address the problem of what we can expect from investigations of sorption kinetics on cryogel beads in batch. Does macroporosity of beads indeed help eliminate diffusion limitations under static sorption conditions? Are sorption rate constants calculated using phenomenological kinetic models helpful for predicting sorption properties under dynamic conditions? Applying the rate constants distribution (RCD) model to kinetic curves of Cu(II) ions sorption on polyethyleneimine (PEI) cryogel and gel beads and fines, we have shown that diffusion limitations in highly swollen beads are very important and result in at least ten-fold underestimation of the sorption rate constants. To account for intraparticle diffusion, we have developed the RCD-diffusion model, which yields "intrinsic" kinetic parameters for the sorbents, even if diffusion limitations were important in kinetic experiments. We have shown that introduction of a new variable-characteristic diffusion time-to the RCD model significantly improved the reliability of sorption kinetic parameters and allowed prediction of the minimal residence time in column required for efficient uptake of the adsorbate under dynamic conditions. The minimal residence time determined from kinetic curves simulated using the RCD-diffusion model was in good agreement with experimental data on breakthrough curves of Cu(II) ion sorption on monolith PEI cryogel at different flow rates.

Contribution of Cross-Linker and Silica Morphology on Cr(VI) Sorption Performances of Organic Anion Exchangers Embedded into Silica Pores

Removal of Cr(VI) from the environment represents a stringent issue because of its tremendous effects on living organisms. In this context, design of sorbents with high sorption capacity for Cr(VI) is getting a strong need. For this purpose, poly(vinylbenzyl chloride), impregnated into porous silica (PSi), was cross-linked with either N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-1,2-ethylenediamine (TEMED) or N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-1,3-propanediamine, followed by the reaction of the free -CH2Cl groups with N,N-diethyl-2-hydroxyethylamine to generate strong base anion exchangers (ANEX) inside the pores. The PSi/ANEX composite sorbents were deeply characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, SEM-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and water uptake. The sorption performances of composites against Cr(VI) were investigated as a function of pH, contact time, initial concentration of Cr(VI), and temperature. It was found that the cross-linker structure and the silica morphology are the key factors controlling the sorption capacity. The adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic and well described by pseudo-second-order kinetic and Sips isotherm models. The maximum sorption capacity of 311.2 mg Cr(VI)/g sorbent was found for the composite prepared with mesoporous silica using TEMED as cross-linker. The PSi/ANEX composite sorbents represent an excellent alternative for the removal of Cr(VI) oxyanions, being endowed with fast kinetics, equilibrium in about 60 min, and a high level of reusability in successive sorption/desorption cycles.

Column and batch sorption investigations of nickel(II) on extractant-impregnated resin

Macroporous resin-supported reagents have been identified as potential adsorbents for removal of toxic pollutants. This article presents an experimental designed to evaluate the sorption and desorption of nickel(II) with the help of column and batch procedure using simple extractant-impregnated resin (EIR). Isonitroso-4-methyl-2-pentanone (IMP) as an extractant was impregnated on a solid support like Amberlite XAD-4 to prepare the EIR sorbent. Column experimental conditions such as pH, sample flow rate and volume, eluting solution, and interfering ions were studied to optimize the nickel(II) sorption and recovery from aqueous media. The column results suggest that the quantitative nickel(II) sorption was observed at pH 5-6, and the quantitative recovery (≥ 95%) was achieved by using 1.0 M HNO₃. The high concentrations of cations and anions (except EDTA) present in the spiked binary and multi-element mixture solution show no interferences in both quantitative sorption and recovery of nickel(II), whereas the batch experiments were performed to evaluate nickel(II) sorption behavior using the linearized and non-linearized kinetic and isotherm models. By error function analysis, the Freundlich isotherm and the pseudo-first-order kinetic model were found to describe best the experimental data obtained over the studied concentration range and sorption time, respectively. The maximum sorption capacity of nickel(II) onto the EIR sorbent was found to be ~ 81 mg/g. The mean free energy (E = 10.1 kJ/mol) determined using Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm suggests chemical nature of nickel(II) sorption on EIR. The novelty of the EIR adsorbent lies in its potential for separation and recovery of nickel(II) at trace level in water samples of different origin.