Utilization of Chalcone for Targeted Removal of Azo Dye From Wastewater

In this study, a chalcone derivative (BrBP-Ch), designed as a small molecule adsorbent, was evaluated for the removal of Congo red (CR) dye from aqueous solutions. The adsorbent was characterized using FTIR-ATR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, HRMS (Q-TOF), SEM, XRD, and zeta potential. Optimal conditions were determined as a dosage of 0.04 g/10 mL, a pH of 4, and a contact time of 90 min. The raw data obtained from the adsorption were applied to two- and three-parameter isotherms, and it was observed that the most suitable model was the Sips and Langmuir. The $q_m$ values from the Sips and Langmuir were calculated as 10.13 mg/g and 9.819 mg/g, respectively. Kinetic data were applied to pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, intraparticle diffusion, and Boyd models. It was seen that the adsorbent could be reused repeatedly for up to five cycles. The findings reveal that small molecule adsorbents are a promising alternative for wastewater treatment.