Synthesis and characterization of kappa (κ)-carrageenan-grafted poly (acrylic acid-co-itaconic acid)/ multi-walled carbon nanotube (κC-g-poly (AAC-co-IA)/ MWCNT) composite for removing safranin-o dye from aqueous solution
Namer A. Hussain, Layth S. Jasim
Abstract
In this study, a new κ-Carrageenan-grafted poly (acrylic acid-co-itaconic acid)/ Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube (κC-g-poly (AAC-co-IA)/ MWCNT) Composite was prepared by grafting hydrogel κC-g-poly (AAc-co-IA) with nanomaterial from multiwalled carbon nanotubes using free radical grafting polymerization. Prepared composite was analysed via different techniques as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Adsorptive potential of composite against safranin-O dye removal was explored in batch mode for optimizing equilibrium time, pH, composite dose, ionic strength and temperature. Results of the study highlight the porous surface of composite having numerous functionalities on its surface showing thermal stability till 600 °C. The composite exhibits a specific surface area of 366.857 m²/g, which significantly enhances its adsorption capacity i.e., 10.71 mg/g towards safranin-O removal. Maximal dye removal was achieved within first 90 min. Findings of kinetic and isothermal modeling confirmed fitness of results to pseudo second kinetic model, Freundlich as well as Temkin model correspondingly. Thermally, the process was spontaneous and exothermic showing feasibility with increase in temperature. Overall, findings of the study highlight the potential of prepared composite towards the removal of safranin-O dye from water.