Synthesis of p(HEMA-co-AETAC) nanocomposite hydrogel with vinyl-function montmorillonite nanoparticles and effective removal of methyl orange from aqueous solution

Abstract

It has become crucial to develop new adsorbents to remove toxic dye wastes from wastewater to protect our existing aquatic ecosystem. Here, to remove methyl orange azo dye from aqueous solutions, a new p(HEMA-co-AETAC)/VMt nanocomposite hydrogel was prepared by using 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and [2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride monomers using vinyl-based montmorillonite crosslinker. Obtained new types of crosslinker and nanocomposite hydrogels have been characterized by various analysis methods. In addition, the effects of crosslinker amount, monomer amount and pH on the swelling behavior of nanocomposite hydrogel were investigated. The effects of essential parameters such as contact time, initial dye concentration, pH effect of the solution, adsorbent amount, and temperature on adsorption were evaluated. It was determined that there was no significant change in the adsorption ability of the nanocomposite hydrogel in the pH range of 3–10. Experimental results showed that the Langmuir isotherm model fit better, and the calculated maximum adsorption capacity was 961.54 mg/g. In addition, it was determined that vinyl-based montmorillonite used as a crosslinker supported MO adsorption. p(HEMA-co-AETAC)/VMt nanocomposite hydrogel may be a new type of adsorbent to remove toxic synthetic dye residues from aqueous media.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights

• A new adsorbent for the removal of toxic synthetic dye residues from aqueous media in a wide range of pH.

• Hydrogels containing AETAC and HEMA are easily obtained with modified montmorillonite.

• The adsorption properties of the nanocomposite hydrogel were evaluated with methyl orange dye molecules.

• According to Langmuir isotherm, the maximum adsorption capacity was determined to be 961.54 mg/g.

Keywords:

• Nanocomposite
• hydrogel
• montmorillonite
• crosslinker
• methyl orange
• adsorption

Acknowledgment

We thank Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Science and Technology Application and Research Center (COBILTUM) and Namık Kemal University Central Research Laboratory (NABILTEM) for characterization analyses.

Additional information

Funding

There is no financial support.