We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Synthesis of recyclable and light-weight graphene oxide/chitosan/genipin sponges for the adsorption of diclofenac, triclosan, and microplastics
Summary
Researchers created a lightweight, recyclable sponge made from graphene oxide, chitosan, and genipin that can effectively remove microplastics and pharmaceutical contaminants from water. The sponge maintained its effectiveness through multiple reuse cycles, making it a practical and affordable water treatment option. This type of technology could help reduce human exposure to microplastics and other harmful substances in drinking water.
Emerging micropollutants, such as pharmaceuticals and microplastics (MPs), have become a pressing water environmental concern. The aim of this study is to synthesize chitosan sponges using graphene oxide (GO) and genipin (GP) for the removal of pharmaceuticals (diclofenac (DCF) and triclosan (TCS)) and MPs, verify their adsorption mechanisms, evaluate the effects of temperature, pH, and salinity on their adsorption capacities, and determine their reusability. The GO/CS/GP sponge exhibited a macroporous nature (porosity = 95%, density = 32.6 mg/cm). GO and cross-linker GP enhanced the adsorption of DCF, TCS, and polystyrene (PS) MPs onto the CS sponges. The adsorption of DCF, TCS, and PS MPs involved multiple steps: surface diffusion and pore diffusion of the sponge. The adsorption isotherms demonstrated that Langmuir model was the most fitted well model to explain adsorption of TCS (q = 7.08 mg/g) and PS MPs (q = 7.42 mg/g) on GO/CS/GP sponge, while Freundlich model suited for DCF adsorption (q = 48.58 mg/g). DCF adsorption was thermodynamically spontaneous and endothermic; however, the adsorption of TCS and PS MPs was exothermic (283-313 K). The optimal pH was 5.5-7 due to the surface charge of the GO/CS/GP sponge (pH = 5.76) and ionization of DCF, TCS, and PS MPs. As the salinity increased, DCF removal efficiency drastically decreased due to the weakening of electrostatic interactions; however, TCS removal efficiency remained stable because TCS adsorption was mainly caused by hydrophobic and π-π interactions rather than electrostatic interaction. The removal of PS MPs was enhanced by the electrostatic screening effects of high Na ions. PS nanoplastics (average size = 26 nm) were removed by the GO/CS/GP sponge at a rate of 73.0%, which was better than that of PS MPs (41.5%). In addition, the GO/CS/GP sponge could be recycled over five adsorption-desorption cycles.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Multifunctional sodium alginate/chitosan-modified graphene oxide reinforced membrane for simultaneous removal of nanoplastics, emulsified oil, and dyes in water
Researchers developed a bioinspired three-layer membrane using sodium alginate, graphene oxide, and chitosan that removed over 99% of nanoplastics, emulsified oil, and dyes from water simultaneously, with excellent stability in extreme pH conditions and good recyclability.
Biodegradable and re-usable sponge materials made from chitin for efficient removal of microplastics
Researchers developed biodegradable sponges made from chitin, a natural material, that can effectively remove tiny microplastic particles smaller than 3 micrometers from water. The sponges achieved removal rates of up to 92% and could be reused for multiple cycles while remaining safe for aquatic organisms. This green approach offers a promising, environmentally friendly method for cleaning microplastics from water systems.
Microplastic contaminant adsorption by graphene oxide layer
Researchers found that graphene oxide, a carbon-based material, can effectively bind and remove harmful microplastic contaminants like BPA and PET from water through strong molecular interactions. This technology could be developed into filtration systems for large-scale water treatment, helping reduce the amount of microplastic-related chemicals that people are exposed to through drinking water.
A Review of the Current Research Status of Graphene for the Removal of Microplastics and Antibiotics from Water
This review assesses the potential of graphene-based materials for microplastic removal from water, evaluating adsorption mechanisms, removal efficiency across particle sizes, and scalability challenges for water treatment applications.
Removal of nanoplastics from aquatic environments using graphene oxide/chitosan sponges
Researchers developed a three-dimensional porous graphene oxide/chitosan sponge with an average pore size of 21.67 µm and evaluated its effectiveness in removing polystyrene nanoplastics (31.1 nm diameter) from aqueous solutions.