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Sequestration of Methylene Blue Dye in a Fixed-Bed Column Using Activated Carbon-Infused Polyurethane Composite Adsorbent Derived from Coconut Oil

Author

Listed:
  • Renz John R. Estrada

    (Center for Sustainable Polymers, Iligan Institute of Technology, Mindanao State University, Iligan City 9200, Philippines
    Department of Materials Resource Engineering and Technology, Iligan Institute of Technology, Mindanao State University, Iligan City 9200, Philippines
    Department of Applied Physics, College of Science and Mathematics, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Cagayan de Oro City 9000, Philippines)

  • Tomas Ralph B. Tomon

    (Center for Sustainable Polymers, Iligan Institute of Technology, Mindanao State University, Iligan City 9200, Philippines
    Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Iligan Institute of Technology, Mindanao State University, Iligan City 9200, Philippines)

  • Rubie Mae D. Fernandez

    (Center for Sustainable Polymers, Iligan Institute of Technology, Mindanao State University, Iligan City 9200, Philippines
    Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Iligan Institute of Technology, Mindanao State University, Iligan City 9200, Philippines
    Department of Science and Technology, Iligan Institute of Technology, Mindanao State University, Region 10, J.V. Seriña St., Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City 9000, Philippines)

  • Christine Joy M. Omisol

    (Center for Sustainable Polymers, Iligan Institute of Technology, Mindanao State University, Iligan City 9200, Philippines
    Chemical Engineering Department, Main Campus, Mindanao State University, Marawi City 9700, Philippines)

  • Gerard G. Dumancas

    (Honors College, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, 1601 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
    Department of Chemistry, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, 1601 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA)

  • Arnold C. Alguno

    (Department of Materials Resource Engineering and Technology, Iligan Institute of Technology, Mindanao State University, Iligan City 9200, Philippines)

  • Maria Sheila K. Ramos

    (Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Iligan Institute of Technology, Mindanao State University, Iligan City 9200, Philippines)

  • Roberto M. Malaluan

    (Center for Sustainable Polymers, Iligan Institute of Technology, Mindanao State University, Iligan City 9200, Philippines
    Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Iligan Institute of Technology, Mindanao State University, Iligan City 9200, Philippines)

  • Arnold A. Lubguban

    (Center for Sustainable Polymers, Iligan Institute of Technology, Mindanao State University, Iligan City 9200, Philippines
    Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Iligan Institute of Technology, Mindanao State University, Iligan City 9200, Philippines)

Abstract

In this research, a new method of treating wastewater is introduced using a highly recyclable and sustainable material derived from coconut oil. This material aims to address the issues commonly faced by conventional sorbents, such as limited performance and costly production. These challenges impede a sorbent material from unlocking its full utility in treating wastewater. An exceptional sorbent material was synthesized by incorporating coconut shell-based activated carbon (AC) into a coconut oil-based polyurethane matrix to produce an activated carbon-infused polyurethane (ACIP). The effective adsorption was elucidated by the synergistic interaction between the ACIP material and methylene blue (MB) through electrostatic attraction, π-π interactions, and hydrogen bonding. To provide an exhaustive analysis of the ACIP material, several analytical techniques were employed, including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). A detailed assessment using a fixed-bed column setup investigated its adsorption behavior by encompassing various factors such as inlet concentration, adsorbent bed height, feed flow rate, and solution pH. Results revealed that the ACIP composite exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 28.25 mg g −1 . Empirical evidence with a high correlation coefficient ( R 2 > 0.93) obtained from the Thomas and Yoon–Nelson model suggests the suitability of the composite material to operate efficiently under these diverse circumstances. Notably, after five consecutive adsorption–desorption cycles, ACIP demonstrated its remarkable reusability by maintaining 86% of its regeneration efficiency. Given its outstanding performance and potential for scalability, this innovative ACIP composite presents a more sustainable approach to addressing wastewater issues within industrial environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Renz John R. Estrada & Tomas Ralph B. Tomon & Rubie Mae D. Fernandez & Christine Joy M. Omisol & Gerard G. Dumancas & Arnold C. Alguno & Maria Sheila K. Ramos & Roberto M. Malaluan & Arnold A. Lubguba, 2024. "Sequestration of Methylene Blue Dye in a Fixed-Bed Column Using Activated Carbon-Infused Polyurethane Composite Adsorbent Derived from Coconut Oil," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:23:p:10757-:d:1539157
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