Preparation of CMC-g-P(SPMA) super adsorbent hydrogels: Exploring their capacity for MB removal from waste water

A novel superadsorbent anionic hydrogel was synthesized by grafting of poly (3-sulfopropyl methacrylate), P(SPMA), onto carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). CMC-g-P(SPMA) superadsorbent hydrogel was applied as an efficient and sustainable adsorbent to remove methylene blue (MB) from waste water. Batch adsorption experiments showed that the solution pH had an obvious effect on the adsorption capacity with an optimal sorption pH at 6. The CMC-g-P(SPMA) hydrogel had rapid adsorption kinetics for MB and the adsorption equilibrium reached within 40min. The adsorption kinetics were more accurately described by pseudo second-order model and the Langmuir-fitted adsorption isotherms revealed a maximum capacity of 1675mg/g. The current anionic hydrogel is reusable as the adsorption capacity remained at 89% level after five adsorption-desorption cycles. CMC-g-P(SPMA) hydrogel was presented as a sustainable promising adsorbent with high adsorption capacity and good regenerability for effective cationic dyes removal.