Methylene Blue Adsorption from Aqueous Solution by Magnetic Cellulose/Graphene Oxide Composite: Equilibrium, Kinetics, and Thermodynamics

Emerging Nanomaterials for Drinking Water Purification: A New Era of Water Treatment Technology

The applications of nanotechnology in the field of water treatment are rapidly expanding and have harvested significant attention from researchers, governments, and industries across the globe. This great interest stems from the numerous benefits, properties, and capabilities that nanotechnology offers in addressing the ever-growing challenges related to water quality, availability, and sustainability. This review paper extensively studies the applications of several nanomaterials including: graphene and its derivative-based adsorbents, CNTs, TiO2 NPs, ZnO NPs, Ag NPs, Fe NPs, and membrane-based nanomaterials in the purification of drinking water. This, it is hoped, will provide the water treatment sector with efficient materials that can be applied successfully in the water purification process to help in addressing the worldwide water scarcity issue.

Recent progresses in bentonite/lignin or polysaccharide composites for sustainable water treatment

Today, with the growth of the human population, industrial activities have also increased. Different industries such as painting, cosmetics, leather, etc. have broadly developed, and as a result, they also produce a lot of pollutants. These pollutants can enter the environment and pollute water, air, and soil. Organic dyes, nitro compounds, drug residues, pesticides and herbicides are pollutants that should be removed from the environment. Natural polymers or biopolymers are important types of organic materials that are broadly applied for different applications. Among them, polysaccharides and lignin, which are two types of biopolymers, have attracted much consideration owing to their advantages such as biocompatibility, environmental friendly, safety, availability, etc. Polysaccharides include cellulose, gum, starch, alginate (Alg), chitin, and chitosan (CS). On the other hand, bentonite is one of the types of clays, which owing to their properties like large specific surface area, adsorption performance, naturally available, etc., have drawn the interest of many researchers. As a result, the synthesis of a composite including polysaccharide/lignin and bentonite can be very efficient for different applications, especially environmental ones. In this review, we instigated the preparation of these composites as well as the removal performance of them. In fact, we reported recent advancements in the synthesis of lignin- and polysaccharide-bentonite composites for the removal of diverse kinds of contaminants like organic dyes, nitro compounds, and hazardous materials.

Alginate functionalized sugarcane cellulose-based beads to improve methylene blue adsorption from aqueous solution

The study was carried out with the goal of synthesizing composite bead of cellulose, chitosan functionalized by sodium alginate using as an efficient and applicable adsorbent for methylene blue removal. Fabricating parameters of the material synthesis process like cellulose mass, sodium hydroxide concentration, immersing time and sodium alginate concentration were assessed in detail. The dye adsorption performance in water under the influence of pH, contact time, dye initial concentration, the material mass, shaking speed, temperature was also thoroughly evaluated. The results of advanced analyses showed that the beads were successfully synthesized with a rough surface and mesoporous structure. The adsorption isotherm and adsorption kinetics of dye adsorption process exhibited that the process was consistent with the Freundlich adsorption isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, indicating a favorable physical adsorption process with multilayer of the dye on the adsorbent surface. The intra-particle diffusion model showed the strong dye adsorption by the beads occurred during the first two and half hours. The adsorbent could maintain its adsorption performance of 86 % for three times of regeneration. Finally, this study provided a recyclable and effective adsorbent for dyes separation from water.

Size-dependent As(V) adsorption of reduced graphene oxide/magnetite nanocomposites

Arsenic (As(V)) contamination in aqueous resources poses a significant environmental, and public health risk due to its high toxicity. To address this challenge, we synthesized and characterized novel reduced graphene oxide/magnetite (rGO/Fe3O4) nanocomposites, which are efficient adsorbents for removing As(V). Using a co-precipitation method, we obtained three distinct sizes of rGO/Fe3O4 nanocomposites by controlling the salt concentration (Fe2+: Fe3+) ratios. Analysis of the adsorption ability of the samples shows that the adsorption efficiency can reach up to 98.10% within 90 min, and the adsorption capacity value reaches 20.55 mg/g. Furthermore, these test data are ably consistent with both the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir model, based on which the adsorption mechanism has been proposed. These results show that the rGO/Fe3O4 nanocomposites that we synthesized are a potential adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals from water.

Efficient removal of sparfloxacin antibiotic from water using sulfonated graphene oxide: Kinetics, thermodynamics, and environmental implications

Pharmaceutical contamination poses a significant threat to global health. Due to their high solubility in water, antibiotics are difficult to remove. This study produced and used sulfonated graphene oxide (SGO) to adsorb sparfloxacin from aquatic environments. UV-Visible, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), XPS, SEM, TEM, EDX, particle size, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and acid-base titration were used to characterize synthesized SGO particles. The BET technique determined SGO's surface area (32.25 m2/g). The calculated pHPZC of SGO was 2.5. Sparfloxacin adsorption onto SGO was analyzed using adsorption duration, medium pH, adsorbent dosages, antibiotic concentration, cations, and solution temperature. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model better described experimental kinetic data than the pseudo-first-order and Elovich models. Equilibrium isotherm data supported the Langmuir model, revealing a peak absorption capacity of 1428.57 μmol/g at 25 °C. The kinetic and isotherm models' applicability was assessed using error analysis. A thermodynamic analysis revealed an endothermic, spontaneous adsorption process with a change in entropy (ΔS) of 114.15 J/mol K and enthalpy (ΔH) of 8.44 kJ/mol. A regeneration analysis showed that SGO adsorption efficiency topped 86.4 % after five cycles.

A graphene oxide based composite granule for methylene blue separation from aqueous solution: Adsorption, kinetics and thermodynamic studies

Graphene oxide and chitosan composite material using as a high-efficiency and low-cost granular adsorbent for methylene blue removal was fabricated via self-assembling method. The effects of pH value, contact time, initial concentration, adsorbent dose, temperature, and recyclic stability on the adsorption performance of methylene blue in aqueous solution were investigated in detail. Desorption process with the effects of solvents, contact time, and temperature were also conducted carefully in this study. The adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherm of dye adsorption process showed that dye adsorption process was fitted to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Freundlich adsorption isotherm, indicating a physical adsorption process with multilayer adsorption. The intra-particle diffusion model indicated that the dye adsorption by the granular adsorbent was strongly happened during the first 4 h. The thermodynamic study showed that the adsorption was a spontaneous and exothermic process and dye ions were condensed onto the surface of adsorbent. The maximum adsorption capacity of dye on the granular adsorbent was calculated as 951.35 mg/g and the adsorbent could maintain its adsorption performance after six cycles. In general, this study provided an efficient, cost-effective, and recyclable the granular adsorbent for dye separation from aqueous solution.

Cellulose- supported sulfated-magnetic biocomposite produced from hemp biomass: Effective removal of cationic dyes from aqueous solution

In present study, eco-friendly sulfated cellulose-magnetic biocomposite was successfully synthesized with a simple method from hemp biomass. ATR-FTIR was used to determine chemical changes, while FE-SEM-EDS, STEM, XRD, TG/DTA, and BET techniques were employed to identify changes in morphology, elemental composition, crystal structure, and thermal degradation. Moreover, the saturation magnetization and pHpzc values of the MSHB were also determined. The effectiveness of magnetic sulfated hemp biomass (MSHB) was tested in the removal of cationic dyes from wastewater, including methylene blue (MB), crystal violet (CV), and malachite green oxalate (MGO). The adsorption all three dyes to MSHB, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir model were determined to be more appropriate, and was endothermic and spontaneous from thermodynamic parameters, too. The maximum MSHB adsorption capacities were found to be 457.6, 509.3, and 1300 mg/g for MB, CV, and MGO at 298 K. With increasing temperature, it also drastically increased in capacity. The outstanding property of the MSHB is that it shows high removal performance wide pH range, even after ten cycles its high removal efficiency is still over 96 % for all three dyes and almost unaffected from dense matrix medium. These results demonstrate that MSHB is remarkable adsorbent for removing cationic dyes.

Effect of Surface Treatment of Nanocrystalline CeO2 on Its Dephosphorylation Activity and Adsorption of Inorganic Phosphates

The surface of nanocrystalline cerium oxide (CeO2) was treated with various chemical agents by a simple postmodification method at 25 °C and atmospheric pressure. Hydrogen peroxide, ammonium persulfate, deionized water, ascorbic acid, and ortho-phosphoric acid were used in order to study and evaluate their effect on surface materials, such as surface area, crystallite size, number of surface hydroxyl groups, particle morphology, and Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio. Paraoxon-methyl (PO) decomposition and inorganic phosphate adsorption were used to evaluate the effect of surface treatment on catalytic and adsorption properties. CeO2 surface was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and acid-base titration. While the treatment procedure affected the number of surface hydroxyl groups and the amount of bulk surface oxygen vacancies, only negligible changes were observed in the Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio. Interestingly, surface treatment affected the ability to decompose PO, but only a small effect on inorganic phosphate adsorption was observed, indicating the robustness of CeO2 for the latter. A mechanism for possible interaction of the used chemicals with the CeO2 surface was proposed.

Bacterial Cellulose Aerogels Derived from Pineapple Peel Waste for the Adsorption of Dyes

Valorization of pineapple peel waste is an attractive research topic because of the huge quantities of this byproduct generated from pineapple processing industries. In this study, the extract from pineapple waste was collected to produce a hydrogel-like form containing bacterial cellulose fibers with a three-dimensional structure and nanoscale diameter by the Acetobacter xylinum fermentation process. The bacterial cellulose suspension was subsequently activated by freeze-drying, affording lightweight aerogels as potential adsorbents in wastewater treatment, in particular the adsorptive removal of organic dyes. Intensive tests were carried out with the adsorption of methylene blue, a typical cationic dye, to investigate the influence of adsorption conditions (temperature, pH, initial dye concentration, time, and experiment scale) and aerogel-preparation parameters (grinding time and bacterial cellulose concentration). The bacterial cellulose-based aerogels exhibited high adsorption capacity not only for methylene blue but also for other cationic dyes, including malachite green, rhodamine B, and crystal violet (28-49 mg/g). However, its activity was limited for most of the anionic dyes, such as methyl orange, sunset yellow, and quinoline yellow, due to the repulsion of these anionic dyes with the aerogel surface, except for the case of congo red. It is also an anionic dye but has two amine groups providing a strong interaction with the hydroxyl group of the aerogel via hydrogen bonding. Indeed, the aerogel has a substantially large congo red-trapping capacity of 101 mg/g. Notably, the adsorption process exhibited similar performances, upscaling the solution volume to 50 times. The utilization of abundant agricultural waste in the simple aerogel preparation to produce a highly efficient and biodegradable adsorbent is the highlight of this work.

Functional graphene oxide for organic pollutants removal from wastewater: a mini review

Graphene oxide (GO), an important derivative of graphene, with a variety of active oxygen-containing groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl and epoxy) on its surface is easy to be functionalized to obtain adsorbent with high adsorption capacity. To date, the adsorption behaviour of organic pollutants by functionalized GO adsorbents have been extensively studied, but there has been no systematic review regarding the functionalization method of GO for the purpose to remove organic pollutants from wastewater. The leading objective of this review is to (i) summarize the functionalization strategies of GO for organic pollutants removal (covalent functionalization and non-covalent functionalization), (ii) evaluate the adsorption performance of functional GO towards organic pollutants by taking aromatic pollutants and dyes as examples and (iii) discuss the regeneration property and adsorption mechanism of functional GO adsorbent. In addition, the problems of existing studies and future research directions are also identified briefly.

Cellulose nanofibers decorated with SiO2 nanoparticles: Green adsorbents for removal of cationic and anionic dyes; kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamic studies

Cellulose nanofibers decorated with SiO2 nanoparticles (SiO2-CNF) were prepared by the extraction of cellulose nanofibers from Yucca leaves, followed by modification with SiO2 nanoparticles, and used as efficient materials for the removal of both anionic and cationic dyes from the aqueous solution. Prepared nanostructures were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction powder (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. The adsorption capacity of the nanostructures was investigated for the removal of both cationic (Methylene Blue, MB, and Crystal Violet, CV) and anionic (Eriochrome Black-T, EB) dyes. The kinetics of adsorption were investigated using some well-known models, including intraparticular diffusion (IPD), pseudo-first-order (PFO), pseudo-second-order (PSO), and Elovich. The adsorption isotherms were also explored using the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Redlich-Peterson models. The obtained results revealed that the adsorption processes follow PSO kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models. Thermodynamic parameters of the adsorption were measured at different temperatures, indicating the feasibility and spontaneity of the adsorption. The pH and salt effects on adsorption were also explored. Finally, according to the reusability tests, the prepared adsorbents showed high recoverability without considerable loss in adsorption efficiency after five repeated runs.

Hydrogel Nanocomposite Towards Optical Sensing of Spermine in Biomedical and Real-Life Food Samples and Remediation of Toxic Dyes from Wastewater

Nanocomposites such as graphene oxide (GO) have been incorporated into hydrogels to enhance conventional hydrogels' properties and develop new functions. Unique and strong molecular interactions between GO and low molecular weight gelators allow the fabrication of various functional hydrogels suitable for different applications. In the present study, we report a stable and soft nanocomposite hydrogel comprising a pyrene-based chiral amphipath having an amino acid (l-phenylalanine) core with pendant oligo-oxyethylene hydrophilic chains and GO. The mechanical and viscoelastic properties of the nanocomposite hydrogel were thoroughly studied using various spectroscopic, microscopic, and mechanical techniques. Even without GO, native hydrogels could form a self-supported thermoreversible and thixotropic hydrogel composed of the fibrillar network. Unlike native hydrogels, the morphological investigation of nanocomposite gels shows the presence of cross-linked nanosheet-like structures. The combined effect of π-π stacking and H-bonding interactions is the driving force for the formation of such composite hydrogels. Moreover, the nanocomposite hydrogels possess significantly superior mechanical stiffness than the native hydrogels. Interestingly, the thixotropic properties observed with the parent gel were retained even in the presence of carbon nanomaterials (GO). The nanocomposite hydrogel could be employed in the optical sensing of a biogenic polyamine, spermine, resulting in a visible gel-to-sol transition. The superior electrostatic interaction between the GOs and spermine molecules might have led to the release of entrapped fluorogenic dyes from the hydrogel network and a turn-on emission response. The sensory system was employed to analyze spermine content in human urine samples and decomposed food items. A gel-coated paper strip was also developed for onsite detection of the spermine. The nanocomposite hydrogel was further utilized to remove toxic organic dyes such as methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) from the aqueous media. The nanocomposite hydrogel thus showed excellent dye removal capabilities and was also found to be recyclable. Calculations of different mechanical parameters suggest that the dye removal efficiency of the nanocomposite hydrogel was better for MB than for RhB.

Decoration of sodium carboxymethylcellulose gel microspheres with modified lignin to enhanced methylene blue removal

The introduction of active groups from biomass is currently the most promising alternative method for increasing the adsorption effect of dyes. In this study, modified aminated lignin (MAL) rich in phenolic hydroxyl and amine groups was prepared by amination and catalytic grafting. The factors influencing the modification conditions of the content of amine and phenolic hydroxyl groups were explored. Chemical structural analysis results confirmed that MAL was successfully prepared using a two-step method. The content of phenolic hydroxyl groups in MAL significantly increased to 1.46 mmol/g. MAL/sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) gel microspheres (MCGM) with enhanced methylene blue (MB) adsorption capacity owing to the formation of a composite with MAL were synthesized by a sol-gel process followed by freeze-drying and using multivalent cations Al³⁺ as cross-linking agents. In addition, the effects of the MAL to NaCMC mass ratio, time, concentration, and pH on the adsorption of MB were explored. Benefiting from a sufficient number of active sites, MCGM exhibited an ultrahigh adsorption capacity for MB removal, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 118.30 mg/g. These results demonstrated the potential of MCGM for wastewater treatment applications.

Cassava bagasse as an alternative biosorbent to uptake methylene blue environmental pollutant from water

Herein, the methylene blue (MB) biosorption from the agroindustrial residue (cassava bagasse) is reported. The cassava bagasse residue presented an irregular surface, anionic character, and low specific surface area. The experiments were performed in batch mode. The biosorption behavior was investigated through the experimental variables, initial concentration of MB, pH, and temperature. The maximum biosorption capacity (170.13 mg g^-1) reached 328 K and pH 10.0. The equilibrium and kinetics were better fitted by the Sips and general order (R² ≥ 0.997 and R²_adj ≥ 0.996) models, respectively. Furthermore, the thermodynamic study revealed a spontaneous (ΔG⁰ < 0) and endothermic process. Finally, the results showed cassava bagasse is a potential material for biosorption dyes from the aqueous medium. In addition, the biosorbent has a low aggregate cost and high availability, which contributes to the destination of large amounts of waste and inspires engineering applications.

Recoverable cellulose composite adsorbents for anionic/cationic dyes removal

GO/HEC/PGDE/Fe₃O₄ materials were successfully fabricated using environmentally-friendly hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PGDE), graphene oxide (GO) and magnetic Fe₃O₄. Systematic investigations were completed to explore the influences of GO content in GO/HEC/PGDE/Fe₃O₄ and adsorption conditions on the adsorptions of cationic dyes (methylene blue (MB), crystal violet (CV)) and anionic dye acid blue 25 (AB-25). The increase of GO content can remarkably improve the adsorption capacity of GO/HEC/PGDE/Fe₃O₄ for the dyes. The three kinetic, four isothermic and three thermodynamic models were investigated to reveal the adsorption behaviors of the dyes. The formation of HEC/PGDE/Fe₃O₄ and adsorption mechanisms of the dyes by GO/HEC/PGDE/Fe₃O₄ were suggested. The GO/HEC/PGDE/Fe₃O₄ endowed with easy-fabrication, eco-friendly feature, efficient adsorption capacity of anionic/cationic dyes, convenient separation and reusability has potential applications in wastewater purification industry.

Cellulose/inorganic nanoparticles-based nano-biocomposite for abatement of water and wastewater pollutants

Nanostructured materials offer a significant role in wastewater treatment with diminished capital and operational expense, low dose, and pollutant selectivity. Specifically, the nanocomposites of cellulose with inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) have drawn a prodigious interest because of the extraordinary cellulose properties, high specific surface area, and pollutant selectivity of NPs. Integrating inorganic NPs with cellulose biopolymers for wastewater treatment is a promising advantage for inorganic NPs, such as colloidal stability, agglomeration prevention, and easy isolation of magnetic material after use. This article presents a comprehensive overview of water treatment approaches following wastewater remediation by green and environmentally friendly cellulose/inorganic nanoparticles-based bio-nanocomposites. The functionalization of cellulose, functionalization mechanism, and engineered hybrid materials were thoroughly discussed. Moreover, we also highlighted the purification of wastewater through the composites of cellulose/inorganic nanoparticles via adsorption, photocatalytic and antibacterial approach.

Estimating hydroxyl/epoxy ratio in graphene oxide through adsorption experiment and semiempirical GFN2-xTB quantum method

CONTEXT

The reactivity of graphene oxide (GO) with amines is related to the ring-opening of the epoxy groups in its basal surface, as addressed experimentally. Therefore, discussing the hydroxyl/epoxy ratio for GO is relevant to improve the characterization of such material. As the adsorption of Methylene Blue into GO is related to a graphene derivative's oxidation degree (OD), we combined adsorption experimental information and theoretical data to estimate the hydroxyl/epoxy ratio. The theoretical data were compared to the experimental adsorption of Methylene Blue and Indigo Carmine into GO synthesized in our department. Our results show GO systems with hydroxyl/epoxy ratios equal to 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9 are the most representative in which the most coherent model corresponds to OH/EP=0.8 for our GO previously synthesized.

METHODS

The GO-MODEL software was developed in the present work to obtain cartesian coordinates of GO systems. We investigated 204 systems comprising models with 486 carbon atoms with the GFN2-xTB semiempirical quantum method. The supramolecular arrangements were constructed with the recently developed UD-APARM program.

Bimetallic MOFs loaded cellulose as an environment friendly bioadsorbent for highly efficient tetracycline removal

Due to the increasingly serious antibiotic-related pollution, it is crucial to develop novel green bioadsorbents to effectively remove antibiotics from aqueous solutions. In this study, Fe doped zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-8 loaded cellulose (Fe/ZIF-8@cellulose) aerogels were prepared. The synthesized Fe/ZIF-8@cellulose aerogels were characterized experimentally including morphology observation and chemical compositions determination. The effects of bioadsorbent dosage, solution pH, adsorption time, initial TC concentration and adsorption temperature on the TC adsorption behaviors were systematically studied. Due to the introduction of Fe in the ZIF-8, the maximum adsorption capacity of Fe/ZIF-8@cellulose for TC could reach as high as 1359.2 mg/g, which is higher than the reported ZIF-8 loaded polysaccharide based adsorbents. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm of TC adsorption were also determined. With the cellulose as the matrix to load Fe/ZIF-8, the obtained Fe/ZIF-8@cellulose aerogels exhibited good reusability. Most importantly, the TC adsorption mechanism was proposed. The results of our finding suggest that the Fe doping into MOFs is an effective strategy to improve the antibiotics adsorption performance and the application of cellulose as the matrix is a valuable method to increase the cyclic utilization. This study highlights the potentials of applying the Fe/ZIF-8@cellulose aerogels in the antibiotics removal for practical wastewater.

A Study of Methylene Blue Dye Interaction and Adsorption by Monolayer Graphene Oxide

The graphene oxide (GO) interaction with methylene blue (MB) cationic dye was studied in an aqueous solution at different pH during MB adsorption. The mutual interaction of MB with GO surface was studied and evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The π-π and electrostatic interaction of MB with GO surface are the main types of interactions, and the XRD data show the monomeric arrangement of MB cation with GO. The GO surface functional groups and point of zero charge (PZC) were determined by acid-base titration. Suitability of zeta-potential measurement and acid-base titration method was briefly discussed. The quality of prepared GO was evaluated by Raman spectroscopy, XRD, and atomic force microscope (AFM). The experimental adsorption equilibrium data were analyzed using Langmuir, Langmuir-Freundlich, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherms. The GO maximum adsorption capacity increases with higher pH, that is ascribed to the facile interaction of negatively charged GO with positively charged MB structure.

The Using of Nanoparticles of Microalgae in Remediation of Toxic Dye from Industrial Wastewater: Kinetic and Isotherm Studies

Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to study the removal of the toxic Methylene Blue Dye (MBD) from synthetic aqueous solutions using the nanoparticles form of Arthrospira platensis NIOF17/003. The adsorption capacity of the adsorbent for MBD was investigated using different amounts of A. platensis nanoparticles at different contact times, temperatures, pH, and MBD initial concentrations in the synthetic aqueous solution. In addition, A. platensis nanoparticles were characterized using Electron Microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Ultraviolet spectra (UV) techniques. The optimum removal of MBD was found at a concentration of 0.4 g A. platensis nanoparticles. A. platensis nanoparticles remove 93% of MBD in 5 min (under agitation conditions at 150 rpm). The highest adsorption capacity was found by the Langmuir model to be 58.8 mg g⁻¹. It is an endothermic process with spontaneity increasing with temperature. The probable mechanism for the adsorption is chemisorption via surface-active charges in the initial phase, which is followed by physical sorption by occupying pores of A. platensis. MBD adsorption by A. platensis follows pseudo-second-order kinetics. The Freundlich and Langmuir models fit well with the experimental data. The adsorption experiments suggested that the regeneration of the adsorbents was possible for repeated use, especially regarding MBD up to 65.8% after three cycles, which proves it can be easily recycled. In conclusion, the nanoparticles of A. platensis have a significant adsorption potential in the removal of MBD from effluent wastewater.

A Facile Review on the Sorption of Heavy Metals and Dyes Using Bionanocomposites

Presently, hazardous metal and dye removal from wastewater is one of the major areas of research focus. For the elimination of these contaminants, many approaches have been devised and applied. However, the accomplishment of various water treatment processes has largely depended on the medium utilized and the associated problem with the leaching of harmful compounds into the water process with most commercial and chemically manufactured materials for water treatment processes. Hence, this study is aimed at reviewing existing studies on the sorption of heavy metals (HMs) and dyes using bionanocomposites (BNCs). The key focus of this review is on the development of eco-friendly, effective, and appropriate nanoadsorbents that could accomplish superior and enhanced contaminant sequestration using BNCs owing to their biodegradability, biocompatible, environmentally friendly, and not posing as secondary waste to the environment. The sorption of most pollutants was observed to be pH, sorbent dosage, and initial contaminant concentration-dependent, with most contaminants’ elimination taking place in the pH range of 2-10. The sorption process of HMs and dyes to various BNCs was superlatively depicted utilizing the Langmuir (LNR) and Freundlich (FL) as well as the pseudo-second-order (PSO) models, suggestive of the sorption process of a monolayer and multilayer and the chemisorption process, the rate-limiting stage in surface sorption. The established sorption capacities for the reviewed sorption process for various contaminants ranged from 1.47 to 740.97 mg/g. Future prospective for the treatment and remediation of contaminated water using BNCs was also discussed.

Development of artificial neural networks software for arsenic adsorption from an aqueous environment

Arsenic contamination is a global problem, as it affects the health of millions of people. For this study, data-driven artificial neural network (ANN) software was developed to predict and validate the removal of As(V) from an aqueous solution using graphene oxide (GO) under various experimental conditions. A reliable model for wastewater treatment is essential in order to predict its overall performance and to provide an idea of how to control its operation. This model considered the adsorption process parameters (initial concentration, adsorbent dosage, pH, and residence time) as the input variables and arsenic removal as the only output. The ANN model predicted the adsorption efficiency with high accuracy for both training and testing datasets, when compared with the available response surface methodology (RSM) model. Based on the best model synaptic weights, user-friendly ANN software was created to predict and analyze arsenic removal as a function of adsorption process parameters. We developed various graphical user interfaces (GUI) for easy use of the developed model. Thus, a researcher can efficiently operate the software without an understanding of programming or artificial neural networks. Sensitivity analysis and quantitative estimation were carried out to study the function of adsorption process parameter variables on As(V) removal efficiency, using the GUI of the model. The model prediction shows that the adsorbent dosages, initial concentration, and pH are the most influential parameters. The efficiency was increased as the adsorbent dosages increased, decreasing with initial concentration and pH. The result show that the pH 2.0-5.0 is optimal for adsorbent efficiency (%).

Direct regeneration of hydrogels based on lemon peel and its isolated microcrystalline cellulose: Characterization and application for methylene blue adsorption

In this study, we developed a facile and eco-friendly fabrication of hydrogels based on lemon peel (LP) and its isolated microcrystalline cellulose (LPMCC) by direct co-dissolving in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BmimCl), followed by direct regeneration in distilled water to form hydrogels. The influence of LP addition on the structure and methylene blue (MB) adsorption of the hydrogels was systematically investigated. The hydrogels displayed a physically cross-linked network through hydrogen bonding interactions. Compared with pure LPMCC hydrogel, the introduction of LP increased the porosity and improved the thermal stability of the hydrogels. The adsorption process of MB on the hydrogels conformed better to the pseudo-second-order kinetic (R² > 0.993) and Langmuir isotherm models (R² > 0.996). The MB adsorption process was feasible, spontaneous and exothermic in nature, and was influenced by initial MB concentration, pH, temperature, ionic type and strength. Notably, the introduction of LP improved MB adsorption capacity of the hydrogels. This work develops a facile approach of agricultural by-products based hydrogels using pure cellulose as the structural skeleton and untreated lignocellulose components as the structure modifier.

Water Treatment from MB Using Zn-Ag MWCNT Synthesized by Double Arc Discharge

A new type of nano-adsorbent zinc-silver nanoparticles ornamented by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Zn-Ag MWCNT) was efficiently synthesized by double arc discharge using a newly designed rotating cylinder electrode. Zn-Ag MWCNT was characterized by different instrumental methods to get information about the sample shape, size, and crystallinity. Without irradiation, Zn-Ag MWCNT indicated significant potential for elimination against methylene blue (MB) which is dissolved in deionized water. When the adsorbent concentration was 0.1 g/L at normal 8 pH, the Zn-Ag MWCNTs were efficient in removing 97% of the MB from 40 mg/L that was dissolved in water for 10 min. The dye removal activity of (Zn-Ag) decorated MWCNTs was attributed to the influence of silver and zinc nanoparticles on the MWCNTs. Finally, this approach was both cost-effective and efficient.

Study on the Adsorption Performance of Casein/Graphene Oxide Aerogel for Methylene Blue

Casein (CS) and graphene oxide (GO) were employed for the fabrication of a casein/graphene oxide (CS/GO) aerogel by vacuum freeze drying. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, surface area and micropore analysis (BET), and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize the specific surface area, structure, thermal stability, and morphology of the CS/GO aerogel. The influence of experimental parameters such as the GO mass fraction in the aerogel, metering of the adsorbent, pH, contact time, and temperature on the adsorption capacity of the CS/GO aerogel on methylene blue (MB) was also investigated. According to Langmuir isotherm determination, the maximum removal rate of MB from the CS/GO aerogel was 437.29 mg/g when the temperature was 293 K and pH was 8. Through kinetic and thermodynamic studies, it is found that adsorption follows a pseudo-second-order reaction model and is also an exothermic and spontaneous process.

A Biocompatible, pH-Sensitive, and Magnetically Separable Superparamagnetic Hydrogel Nanocomposite as an Efficient Platform for the Removal of Cationic Dyes in Wastewater Treatment

A series of environment-friendly cationic dye adsorbents, namely, pH-sensitive superparamagnetic hydrogel nanocomposite AA-VSA-P/SPIONs systems with different concentrations of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs; 1.2, 3.2, and 5.2 wt %), was synthesized by free-radical polymerization reaction using two pH-sensitive monomers, acrylic acid (AA) and vinylsulfonic acid (VSA), in an optimum ratio, in the presence of presynthesized SPIONs. The structural properties, thermal stability, and chemical configuration of AA-VSA-P/SPIONs systems with different weight percentages of SPIONs were characterized by XRD, TGA, Raman spectroscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy. The systems show substantial efficiency as dye adsorbents for removing cationic dyes (MB dye) from aqueous solution in neutral to alkaline medium. Further, these systems exhibit easy magnetic separation capabilities from aqueous solutions after dye adsorption, even for a very low weight percentage of SPIONs. The adsorption kinetics, mechanism, and isotherms of these systems were evaluated. The study suggests consistency with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, following an intraparticle diffusion mechanism, where the heterogeneous surface of the system having different activation energies for adsorption plays the crucial role in dye adsorption via chemisorption for higher pH medium, which was further substantiated by excellent data fit with the Freundlich isotherm model. Biocompatibility and regeneration-ability studies establish the environment-friendliness and cost effectivity of the system.

Facile preparation of taurine modified magnetic chitosan nanocomposites as biodegradable adsorbents toward methylene blue

A novel magnetic Fe₃O₄@chitosan@taurine adsorbent (MCT) was prepared by surface modification of magnetic chitosan nano-composites with taurine-glutaraldehyde solution. The adsorbents were characterized by FTIR, SEM, TEM, XRD, TGA and VSM techniques, respectively. According to the FTIR spectrum of MCT, the characteristic peaks of the SO₃^-group on MCT were observed to have a shift after adsorption of the cationic dye, which indicates that there may be electrostatic attraction between the MCT and the cationic dye. Moreover, the saturation magnetization of MCT was found to be 20.797 emu g^-1, suggesting that MCT has sufficient magnetic response to meet the need of magnetic separation. The adsorption properties of cationic dyes by MCT were further investigated by using methylene blue (MB) as a representative. The adsorption behaviour of MB by MCT was well described by the pseudo-second order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of MB calculated from the Langmuir model fitting was 204.1 mg g^-1 at pH 5 and 384.6 mg g^-1 at pH 9, respectively, and the adsorption equilibrium could be reached within 10 min. Besides, the negative values of ΔG° and ΔH° suggested that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic, and the good reusability indicated that MCT could act as a recyclable adsorbent for dye adsorption. All of these results illustrate that MCT has great potential for practical application in removal of cationic dyes from aqueous solutions.

Bio-nanocomposites of graphene with biopolymers; fabrication, properties, and applications

The unique properties of graphene and graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites make them suitable for a wide range of medical, industrial, and agricultural applications. The addition of graphene or GO to a polymeric matrix can ameliorate its thermo-mechanical, electrical, and barrier characteristics. The present paper reviews the literature on graphene/GO-based bio-nanocomposites and examines the various fabrication methods, such as chemical vapor deposition, chemical synthesis, microwave synthesis, the solvothermal method, molecular beam epitaxy, and colloidal suspension. Each procedure potentially has its disadvantages, especially for mass production. Therefore, introducing an effective method for fabricating graphene on a large scale with high quality is essential. Recent studies have shown that graphene-based bio-nanocomposites are promising materials given their excellent performance in the development of biosensors, drug delivery systems, antimicrobials, modified electrodes, and energy storage systems among other applications. In this review, we evaluate the various procedures used for developing graphene/GO-based bio-nanocomposites and examine the features and applications of the related products. Furthermore, the toxicity of these compounds and attempts to uncover the optimal combinations of biopolymers and carbon nanomaterials for industrial applications will be discussed.

Synergistic effect of a spinel ferrite on the adsorption capacity of nano bio-silica for the removal of methylene blue

The synergistic effect of CoFe₂O₄ on the capacity of bio-silica extracted from rice husk for the removal of methylene blue (MB) was investigated. The novel composite of cobalt ferrite/nano bio-silica was prepared by dispersing cobalt and iron salt in ratio 1:2 in a solution containing bio-silica, calcined at 700°C and characterized. The adsorption capacity of the composite (253.6 mg g^-1) was higher than that of bio-silica (52.6 mg g^-1), and the process was exothermic and spontaneous. Langmuir and Freundlich models were applicable to explain the adsorption isotherm, while pseudo-second-order and Elovich are best applicable for the kinetics mechanism. The amount of MB that was removed, increased with an increase in ionic strength due to dimerization of MB. Regeneration and reusability of the adsorbents showed that they are economically viable. Energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) analysis of MB-loaded adsorbent confirmed the adsorption of MB.

Novel Graphene Oxide Nanohybrid Doped Methacrylic Acid Hydrogels for Enhanced Swelling Capability and Cationic Adsorbability

Novel versatile hydrogels were designed and composited based on covalent bond and noncovalent bond self-assembly of poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) networks and nanohybrids doped with graphene oxide (GO). The structures and properties of the neat PMAA and the prepared PMAA/GO hydrogels were characterized and analyzed in detail, using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, swelling and cationic absorption, etc. The swelling results showed that the water penetration follows the non-Fick transport mechanism based on swelling kinetics and diffusion theory. The swelling capacity of PMAA and composited PMAA/GO hydrogels toward pH, Na+, Ga2+, and Fe3+ was investigated; the swelling ratio was tunable between 4.44 and 36.44. Taking methylene blue as an example, the adsorption capacity of PMAA/GO hydrogels was studied. Nanohybrid doped GO not only self-associated with PMAA via noncovalent bonding interactions and had a tunable swelling ratio, but also interacted with water molecules via electrostatic repulsion, offering a pH response of both the network and dye absorption. Increases in pH caused a rise in equilibrium swelling ratios and reduced the cumulative cationic dye removal.

A Double cross-linked strategy to construct graphene aerogels with highly efficient methylene blue adsorption performance

A novel lysine and EDA double cross-linked graphene aerogel (LEGA) was constructed. The prepared LEGA was utilized as a methylene blue (MB) adsorbent in the wastewater treatment. It exhibits a three-dimensional interconnected porous structure benefiting dye adsorption. Its compression property is highly enhanced with the addition of lysine. Adsorption isotherm and kinetics of MB onto LEGA were discussed. Their results show that MB adsorption onto LEGA was fitted to follow Langmuir adsorption isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. LEGA has an excellent adsorption capacity towards MB as high as 332.23 mg/g and its MB adsorption process is proved to be an exothermic process. The mechanism for MB adsorption onto LEGA was proposed as the ion exchange, electrostatic interaction, π-π stacking interaction and hydrogen bonding. Thus, LEGA is confirmed to be a sustainable and green MB adsorbent with highly removal efficiency in the treatment of wastewater.