The elimination of the cationic dye Methylene Blue utilizing cross-linked nanocellulose-based sphericalaerogel

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Authors

1 Corresponding Author, Ph.D. Student of Wood and Paper Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran

2 Associate Prof., Dept. of Wood Technology and Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran

3 Assistant Prof., Dept. of Analytical Chemistry, Iran Research Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (IRICC).

4 Professor, Dept. of Wood Technology and Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran

Abstract

The elimination of the cationic dye Methylene Blue utilizing cross-linked nanocellulose-based sphericalaerogel
Abstract:
Background and Objective: With rising population growth and the expansion of industry and agriculture, the availability of clean water worldwide has become limited. Consequently, the necessity for treatment and recovery of used water has gained special importance. Among various pollutants, synthetic dyes such as methylene blue are one of the most significant environmental contaminants due to their toxicity and persistence. The methylene blue is a dye extensively used in the textile and pharmaceutical industries, and its presence in the environment causes serious damage. Among various methods to remove water pollutants, adsorption using natural adsorbent materials such as lignocellulosic substances, due to their suitable adsorption capacity, renewability, biodegradability, and low cost, is one of the most effective solutions for purifying contaminated water. In this study, spherical nanocellulose aerogel was prepared from cellulose nanofiber gel produced by a mechanical method along with a crosslinker through freeze-drying. The properties of the produced spherical aerogel were applied to remove methylene blue dye. In adsorption studies of methylene blue by this nanocellulose aerogel, to determine optimal dye removal conditions, the effects of factors such as pH, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time, and temperature on adsorption efficiency were examined in a batch system. Furthermore, equilibrium data were fitted with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, showing better conformity of the obtained data with the Freundlich adsorption model compared to the Langmuir equation.
Materials and Methods:
In this study, the nanocellulose gel was prepared using a mechanical method, sourced from Nanonovin Polymer Company, and the crosslinker epichlorohydrin was obtained from Hubei Chemical Company for the production of spherical aerogels. A 1% concentration of mechanical nanocellulose gel was used as the main structure of the aerogel. To maintain stability, dimensional stability, and the increase of strength in the wet state, a crosslinking agent known as epichlorohydrin was utilized at a weight concentration of 12 wt% based on the dry weight of cellulose. The prepared gel for producing spherical aerogels was dropped into liquid nitrogen using a syringe and then transferred into a freeze-drying device. Finally, after 48 hours in the freeze dryer, the final aerogels were produced and evaluated. The synthesized aerogels were subsequently studied for the removal of Methylene Blue dye.
Results:
In this experiment, the effects of temperature, time, initial pH of the solution, adsorbent dosage, and the initial concentration of methylene blue were investigated to determine the optimal parameters of dye removal. The results of the present study indicate that the maximum adsorption capacity of the cellulose aerogel is equivalent to 197.76 mg/g at a pH of 8 and an initial dye concentration of 150 mg/L, with an adsorbent dosage of 0.1. Under these conditions, the dye removal efficiency was over 98.88%. Furthermore, the Freundlich isotherm model fits better the obtained data compared to the Langmuir model. The positive change in Gibbs free energy at elevated temperatures and the positive change in enthalpy also indicate that the reaction is non-spontaneous and endothermic.
Conclusion:
The results of this study demonstrate that spherical nanocellulose aerogel can successfully remove methylene blue dye under the following optimal conditions: pH = 8, adsorbent dosage of 0.1 g/L, dye concentration of 200 mg/L, and contact time of 70 minutes. In conclusion, it can be deduced that the spherical nanocellulose aerogel exhibits promising capability for the efficient removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions.

.Keywords: Nanofibers, Cellulose aerogel, Epichlorohydrin, Methylene blue,

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Wood and Forest Science and Technology
Volume 32, Issue 2
June 2025
Pages 125-143

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