(3ay) Graphite Oxide Doped Uio-66 for Congo Red Dye Removal from Aqueous Solution with Synergistic Effect of Adsorption and Ultrasonication

Facile synthesis of composites by 2D carbonfunctionalization of MOFsis an emerging field of research for environmental applications. Indiscriminate disposal of azodyesdemands development of potential strategies for water treatment. Accordingly, our study focused on synthesis of graphite oxide decorated UiO-66 MOF (UiO-66/GO) and its performance evaluation inultrasonication assisted adsorptive removal of stable, toxic Congo red (CR) dye from aqueous solution. The synergistic effect of incorporation graphene oxide sheets into the MOFs is yet to be completely understood. Extensive characterization of the composite including its crystallinity, chemical composition, surface morphology, porosity have been discussed. The efficiency for CR dye removal was assessed as a function of initial dye concentration, contact time, adsorbent dosage, sonication power and frequency. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity (Q_m) was found to be 697.5 mg/g which was much higher than pure UiO-66, GO and other reported adsorbents. Ultrasonication enhanced the kinetics of the process by reducing the equilibrium time by one-fourth folds compared to silent stirring. The dominant factors responsible for spontaneous, exothermic adsorption are hydrogen-bonding, π-π interaction, hydrophobic interaction, surface adsorption. Regression analysis show that Langmuir adsorption isotherm model, second order kinetic model, film diffusion followed by intraparticle diffusion can best describe this adsorption process. High regeneration and reusability of the adsorbent in amalgamation with its superior dye removal efficiency makes it a promising water decontaminant.

Research Interests

Membrane Technology; Water & Wastewater Treatment; Nanocomposites; Photocatalysis; Biofuels Production Optimization

1. Preparation of nanoporous membranes with tunable pore size, pore connectivity and pore alignment, photocatalyic properties for contaminants removal from wastewater

2. Modeling of fluid transport through the membranes, considering influencing operational parameters, intrinsic properties of the membranes to predict the reliability of the process and scale up of lab scale projects to pilot scale

3. Development of membrane photobioreactor process for biofuel production and CO₂ sequestration

4. Synthesis of surface engineered adsorbents, photocatalytic nanoparticles for removal of hazardous contaminants from wastewater