A supramolecular
cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6])-enriched magnetic montmorillonite
(CBCM) nanocomposite was prepared and characterized. CB[6] played
a prominent role as a capping agent, helping in better distribution
of the nanoparticles, and as a binder between nanoparticles. Montmorillonite
provided structural stability and fortified ultrafast adsorption toward
dyes. Its application in the removal of cationic dyes from wastewater
was systematically assessed. Process parameters such as pH, initial
dye concentration, dosage, temperature, and time were optimized. Kinetics
and isotherms of the process were described using pseudo-second-order
kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm, respectively. CBCM exhibited rapid
dye removal capacity in short reaction times with q
max of 199.20, 78.31, and 55.62 mg g–1 and K2 of 0.0281, 0.0.0823, and 0.0953 L mg–1 min–1 for crystal violet, methylene blue, and
rhodamine B, respectively. Benefiting from the synergetic effects
of montmorillonite surface hydrophobicity, abundant carbonyl groups
of CB[6], and magnetic properties of copper ferrite, CBCM demonstrated
outstanding dye removal capacity, negligible leaching at saturation,
and high tolerance toward harsh conditions. This intrinsic nature
is expedient in prolonged industrial operations. To demonstrate industrial
viability, syringe filtration and continuous flow fixed-bed column
operations were validated. The CBCM fixed-bed column demonstrated
stable dye removal efficiency with 10–100 mg mL–1 dye at 10–50 mL min–1 flow rates. Utilizing
the magnetic and catalytic activities of the copper ferrite nanoparticles,
CBCM was recycled using a magnet, regenerated, and reused for several
cycles. CB[6] remarkably improved the performance of the nanocomposite
and made it suitable for different effluent treatment techniques.
This may pave a sustainable way toward the efficient onsite treatment
of effluent at the industrial scale.
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