Efficient extraction of textile dyes using reusable acrylic-based smart polymers

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Textile industry wastewater poses a significant environmental challenge due to dye pollution.
• Anionic dyes from textile waste are toxic to aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and assess a novel crosslinked-smart-polymer film for efficient textile dye removal.
• To evaluate the material's adsorption kinetics, isotherm behavior, and stability for industrial applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a smart polymer film via copolymerization of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate.
• Assessment of dye removal efficiency using UV-Vis spectroscopy for 21 different textile dyes.
• Analysis of adsorption kinetics (pseudo-first-order, Crank-Dual model) and isotherms (Langmuir, Freundlich).

Main Results:

• The smart polymer film achieved over 90% removal efficiency for anionic dyes.
• External diffusion was the primary factor influencing process kinetics.
• The material demonstrated reusability over 5 cycles, good durability, and thermal stability.

Conclusions:

• The developed smart polymer film is a stable and effective material for removing anionic textile dyes from wastewater.
• Its properties support suitability for industrial applications, contributing to sustainable practices in the textile industry.
• This technology offers a scalable solution for mitigating environmental pollution from textile dyes.