In a world grappling with environmental challenges, a team of researchers from the Tshwane University of Technology in South Africa has made a significant stride in water treatment technology. Led by Lloyd Ndlovu from the Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, the team has developed a novel composite adsorbent using recycled polypropylene (PP), chitosan (CS), and fly ash (FA) to efficiently remove Rhodamine B (RhB) dye from water. This breakthrough, published in the journal Materials Research Express (which translates to “Materials Research Express” in English), could have profound implications for the energy and environmental sectors.
The study focuses on creating an effective and sustainable solution for water treatment, particularly targeting the removal of RhB, a common dye used in textiles and other industries. The researchers fabricated the composite adsorbents using a single screw extruder, varying the content of chitosan and fly ash. The results were promising, with the best-performing composite achieving 100% removal efficiency in the first adsorption-desorption cycle and maintaining 96.94% efficiency after five cycles.
“This research demonstrates the potential of waste materials in creating high-efficiency adsorbents,” said Ndlovu. “By embedding chitosan and fly ash in a recycled polypropylene matrix, we’ve developed a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for water treatment.”
The composites were characterized using Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed successful embedding of chitosan and fly ash, with good distribution and dispersion of fly ash on the polymer surface. The water uptake capacity of the composites reached a maximum of 39%, and all composites exhibited negative charges at pH levels above 6.2.
The adsorption efficiency of the composites was systematically investigated under different pH levels, initial dye concentrations, and contact times. The adsorption kinetics were analyzed using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models, with the latter providing a better fit to the experimental data. The adsorption isotherms were evaluated, revealing that the Freundlich model best described the adsorption process, indicating multilayer adsorption on a heterogeneous surface.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. The use of recycled materials not only reduces waste but also lowers the cost of production, making the technology more accessible and scalable. This innovation could revolutionize water treatment processes in industries such as textiles, where dye removal is a critical concern.
“Our findings highlight the potential reusability of the adsorbent, which is crucial for commercial applications,” Ndlovu added. “This could significantly reduce the operational costs and environmental impact of water treatment processes.”
As the world continues to seek sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, this research offers a glimpse into the future of water treatment technology. By leveraging waste materials and innovative engineering, the team at Tshwane University of Technology has paved the way for more efficient and eco-friendly water treatment methods. The study, published in Materials Research Express, serves as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research and the potential of waste materials in addressing global environmental issues.