Adsorbent membrane impregnated with cellulose nanocrystal from mulberry for the removal of mercury ions

https://doi.org/10.70228/CBJ2024059

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ABSTRACT

Mercury, a toxic heavy metal pollutant in natural bodies of water as mercuric ions, Hg2+, poses various detrimental health effects. This study aimed to produce a composite membrane that can adsorb Hg2+ ions using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from mulberry bast fibers and cellulose acetate (CA). CNCs were successfully extracted through delignification, centrifugation, and freeze-drying. Composite membranes were prepared using CA, acetone, CaCO3, and glycerol. They were produced in 1%, 2%, and 5% weight CNC, formulations analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy to verify the chemical composition of CNC, and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) to investigate the morphology and particle size of the CNC. Tabletop SEM investigates the pore size of the membranes. The effect of incorporating CNC into the membranes on the Hg2+ adsorption capacity was investigated through adsorption experiments, and the effluent solutions obtained were analyzed by Cold Vapor-HVG Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The FTIR results showed cellulose presence, confirming the chemical composition of the nanocrystals. The FESEM results of the CNC indicated a mean size of 49.99 nm with a rough and irregular morphological structure. The Tabletop SEM results of the 0% CNC-CA membrane indicated a mean pore size of 3.01 ?m and a non-uniform distribution of pore size, whereas the 5% CNC-CA membrane had a 5.56 ?m mean and a homogenous pore distribution. The AAS findings revealed that incorporating CNC into the CA membrane positively influenced the membrane’s Hg2+ adsorption capacity with the 5% weight CNC-CA formulation, showing an absorption capacity of 1.25 mg/g and a statistically significant influence on the mass loss of the membranes. The CNC-CA membranes may be investigated further by increasing CNC concentrations.

Keywords: bast fibers, membrane adsorption, water stability, cellulose acetate membrane, adsorption