Selective Anionic Dye Adsorption from Multi-Dye Mixtures Using Modified Silica Nanoparticles Derived from Sugar Cane...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Bottom sugar cane bagasse ash (BSBA) is a silica-rich industrial byproduct.
• BSBA presents potential for developing novel adsorbent materials.
• Efficient removal of anionic dyes from wastewater is an environmental challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) from BSBA.
• To enhance the adsorption capacity for anionic dyes by modifying surface charge.
• To evaluate the performance of the synthesized material in removing various anionic dyes.

Main Methods:

• Sol-gel synthesis method was employed to produce SiO2NPs from BSBA.
• Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was used to modify the surface charge of SiO2NPs.
• Adsorption experiments were conducted using methylene blue, methyl orange, congo red, and reactive orange 16 in various dye systems.

Main Results:

• SiO2NPs@CTAB exhibited a surface charge reversal from -28.96 to +12.06 mV.
• High adsorption capacities were achieved for anionic dyes: 135.81 mg g-1 (MO), 159.76 mg g-1 (CR), and 135.59 mg g-1 (RO16).
• The material demonstrated high selectivity for anionic dyes over cationic dyes.

Conclusions:

• SiO2NPs synthesized from BSBA are highly effective and selective for removing anionic dyes.
• BSBA is a sustainable and cost-effective source for silica nanoparticle production.
• This method offers environmental benefits by utilizing industrial waste for water treatment.