Application of Green Synthesized MMT/Ag Nanocomposite for Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solution

Abstract

Textile industries are the largest consumer of synthetic dyestuff compounds and consequently, they are the prime contributor of colored organic contaminants to the environment. The dye compounds when released in soil or freshwater resources such as rivers, cause a potential hazard to living beings due to their toxic, allergic and carcinogenic nature. Current conventional treatment methods for removal or degradation of such dyestuff materials from water systems are not sufficient, and therefore, there is an immediate need to find efficient and eco-friendly approaches. In this regard, nanotechnology can offer an effective solution to this problem. In the present work, montmorillonite/silver nanocomposite (MMT/Ag nanocomposite) is developed through green synthesis methods using naturally occurring montmorillonite (MMT) clay and silver nanoparticles. The material was characterized by using a particle size analyzer (PSA), UV/Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and a Brunner–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analyzer. The adsorption efficiency of the nanocomposite and per cent removal of methylene blue (MB) was investigated by using a batch system.

The Use of Bilberry Leaves (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) as an Efficient Adsorbent for Cationic Dye Removal from Aqueous Solutions

“…More than 10% of cationic dyes produced annually reach in wastewaters [ 12 , 13 ]. Methylene blue is a cationic dye commonly used in the textile industry, especially for dyeing cotton, silk and wool [ 1 , 2 , 14 , 15 ]. It is used in medical practice for treatment of methaemoglobinemia and cyanide poisoning and can also play the role of staining agent in diagnostic examinations [ 2 , 16 ].…”

Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solutions Using a New Natural Lignocellulosic Adsorbent—Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) Leaves Powder

“…Anthropogenic activity is the main cause of environmental pollution and, implicitly, water contamination. Dyes from residual effluents can cause severe adverse toxicological and aesthetic effects on the aquatic environment [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”

“…It has numerous applications in the textile, tannery, plastics, food, cosmetics, and paper industries. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry and medical practice (methaemoglobinemia treatment, cyanide poisoning treatment, or as a staining agent) [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. But this dye can also cause various negative effects on human health and the environment.…”

“…But this dye can also cause various negative effects on human health and the environment. Adverse effects of this dye include the following: skin, eye, mouth, throat, and stomach irritation, respiratory problems, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspnea, tachycardia, and high blood pressure [ 2 , 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”

“…In order to remove the dyes (including methylene blue) from aqueous solutions, several different techniques have been applied as follows: coagulation, flocculation, precipitation, membrane processes, chemical oxidation, electrochemical processes, catalytic reduction, photocatalytic degradation, ion exchange, adsorption, microorganism degradation, membrane bioreactors, aerobic, and anaerobic biological treatments [ 1 , 2 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”