Anionic Dye Removal Using a Date Palm Seed-Derived Activated Carbon/Chitosan Polymer Microbead Biocomposite

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Textile wastewater discharge poses a significant environmental challenge due to the presence of complex dyes like Direct Blue 78.
• Conventional methods for dye removal are often inefficient or costly, necessitating the development of advanced materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel activated carbon/chitosan microbeads (ACMB) for the efficient removal of Direct Blue 78 dye.
• To investigate the physicochemical properties and adsorption performance of ACMB under various experimental conditions.

Main Methods:

• Activated carbon was produced from palm seed pyrolysis at 400°C and 1000°C, followed by thermochemical activation using microwave and HCl.
• Activated carbon was incorporated into chitosan to form microbeads (ACMB).
• Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to optimize ACMB dose, contact time, pH, and adsorbent composition, with characterization via SEM, EDX, and FTIR.

Main Results:

• SEM analysis revealed a transformation to a rough, porous surface structure after activation, enhancing adsorption capacity.
• Zeta potential increased from -35 mV to +20 mV post-activation, indicating improved surface charge.
• Maximum Direct Blue 78 dye removal efficiencies of 97.8% and 98.4% were achieved with specific ACMB formulations at pH 4-5 and 50 min contact time.

Conclusions:

• Activated carbon/chitosan microbeads are highly effective adsorbents for Direct Blue 78 dye removal from textile wastewater.
• The Langmuir isotherm model accurately describes the adsorption equilibrium, suggesting monolayer adsorption.
• This study presents a promising new platform for developing efficient dye removal solutions.