Preparation of Cationic Composite Hydrogel Improved by Activated Carbon and Its Use in Removal of Anionic Dye

Abstract

Water-insoluble p(AETAC)/AC composite hydrogels containing quaternary ammonium were prepared by free-radical polymerisation method with [2-(Acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (AETAC) and activated carbon (AC). The composite hydrogel was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) methods. In addition, the swelling behavior of p(AETAC)/AC composite hydrogels containing 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg AC in deionized water was investigated. The swelling capacity of the p(AETAC)/AC75 composite hydrogel containing 75 mg AC in various waters was determined. Initial dye concentration, contact time, pH of dye solution, amount of adsorbent, and temperature parameters affecting MO adsorption of p(AETAC)/AC75 composite hydrogel were investigated. The obtained adsorption data agree with the Langmuir isotherm model and the PFO kinetic model. It was determined that the maximum adsorption ability of p(AETAC)/AC75 composite hydrogel according to Langmuir isotherm was 909.09 mg/g. ΔH° and ΔS° values for the adsorption of MO dye-stuff of p(AETAC)/AC75 composite hydrogel were calculated as 22.25 ± 1.43 and 85.40 ± 4.60, respectively. In addition, the value of ΔG° less than zero at four different temperatures indicates that the dye adsorption is spontaneous. According to all the data obtained, p(AETAC)/AC75 composite hydrogel can be considered a promising candidate for the removal of anionic dyestuffs from water.