Activated Carbon-Entrapped Microfibrilated Cellulose Films As An Effective Adsorbent For Removing Organic Dye From Aqueous Effluent

Abstract

Activated carbon-entrapped microfibrilated cellulose (AC/C) films were successfully fabricated by self-assembly of cellulose microfibrils via a simple and environmentally friendly method. The structures and properties of films were characterized by scanning election microscope (SEM) as well as density, turbidity, and mechanical analyses. Cationic brilliant red 5GN (CBR) was selected as a model dye, and the adsorption of CBR in aqueous solution by AC/C films was evaluated. Adsorption kinetics was described by the pseudo-second-order model, and the absorption behaviors were in agreement with a Langmuir isotherm. Thermodynamic analyses indicated that CBR adsorption onto AC/C film was favorable. The adsorption–desorption cycle of AC/C films was repeated three times without significant loss of adsorption capacity. Moreover, AC particles in films showed high stability during adsorption. This work proposes a novel utilization of bulk forms of adsorption particles within cellulose networks to achieve better adsorption applications in water treatment.