Magnetic hydrogel based on xylan, poly (acrylic acid), and maghemite as adsorbent material for methylene blue...

A magnetic hydrogel based on xylan (X), poly (acrylic acid), and maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃) named HXA-Fe₂O₃ was synthesized, characterized, and applied as an alternative material to remove methylene blue (MB) from aqueous media by adsorption. Maghemite was synthesized by coprecipitation method and later incorporated in the hydrogel matrix synthesized by free radical polymerization. The characterization studies included FTIR, DSC, XRD, VSM, Zeta Potential, TGA, SEM, TEM, and N₂ adsorption isotherms (BET). The physicochemical characterization results confirmed the intended synthesis and showed the compositional, thermal, structural, morphological, textural, and magnetic profile of the materials. The adsorption studies included experimental design, kinetic, and isotherm. A full factorial design was employed considering the factors adsorbent dosage (g L^-1), pH, and ionic strength (mmol L^-1 of NaCl) for adsorption capacity and removal percentage responses. As ionic strength was not significant, a Doehlert design was employed with adsorbent dosage and pH, indicating the optimal adsorption conditions. The kinetics was well described by the PSO model, while the isotherm obeyed the Sips model. Equilibrium was attained at 60 min, and the maximum experimental adsorption capacity was up to 250.26 mg g^-1 at pH 8.5, adsorbent dosage of 0.2 g L^-1, and 298 K. These findings show that the magnetic hydrogel produced has great potential to be applied in the adsorption of basic molecules, such as MB.