A Study on Removal of Methylene Blue Dye and CU (II) by Soybean-Poly(Hexamethylene Sebacamide)/Strontium Ferrite Composite

Wong, Yen Yee (2024) A Study on Removal of Methylene Blue Dye and CU (II) by Soybean-Poly(Hexamethylene Sebacamide)/Strontium Ferrite Composite. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

In this final year project, a novel adsorbent which is soybean-poly(hexamethylene sebacamide)/strontium ferrite nanoparticle composite was successfully synthesized at the optimum absorbent composition where the amount of the soybean waste is in a threefold excess compared to poly(hexamethylene sebacamide) and strontium ferrite. By referring to the result, soybean waste is revealed to play a pivotal role in removing methylene blue dye while the poly(hexamethylene sebacamide) is the major component in the composite that is responsible for removing Cu (II) ions. To enhance the efficiency and adsorption capacity of removing both dye and heavy metal, strontium ferrite nanoparticle is added. Characterization of this novel nanocomposite involved Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Zeta Potential analysis. The adsorption of methylene blue dye and Cu (II) ions from aqueous solution by nanocomposite was carried out under optimum conditions which includes adsorbent dosage, pH, initial concentrations and contact time. After optimization of all the parameters mentioned, methylene blue dye and Cu (II) ions were mixed in an aqueous solution and let for simultaneous adsorption to imitate the real-life pollution situation. By carrying out adsorption kinetic and isotherm studies, the adsorption of both methylene blue dye and Cu (II) ions from aqueous solution by nanocomposite was found to be better fit to pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The methylene blue dye adsorption was better fit to Freundlich isotherm while Cu (II) ions adsorption was better fit to Langmuir isotherm. Negative zeta potential across all pH values of nanocomposite indicates the chemical adsorption between the positively charged Cu (II) ions and methylene blue dye from aqueous solution and the negatively charged nanocomposite. The possible interaction mechanism was π-π stacking, electrostatic interaction and hydrogen-bonding for methylene blue while electrostatic interaction, lone pair electrons interaction and dipole-dipole interaction for Cu (II) ions. The intraparticle diffusion model study at different initial concentrations further explained the adsorption mechanism. Desorption studies indicated the novel nanocomposite was economical as it could be reused for further adsorption cycle.