Bio-mass derived functionalized graphene aerogel: a sustainable approach for the removal of multiple organic dyes and their mixtures

Herein, fabrication of a functionalized graphene aerogel (f-GA) from a biomass (pear fruit)-derived graphene aerogel (GA) is described. Functionalization showed a prominent effect that results in the improved adsorption capacity of f-GA compared to GA, and even better (similar to more than double) than commercially available activated carbon (AC). f-GA has been studied for the removal of three different model pollutant dyes, namely crystal violet (CV), methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB) and their mixtures, along with it also being used for dye removal from unknown real industrial samples. Moreover, a detailed comparative analysis showed the adsorption capacity of f-GA towards CV, MB, and RhB has been improved up to similar to 6, similar to 7, and similar to 10 times, respectively, compared to that of control GA. The recyclability of f-GA was also tested: it works for five cycles without losing its apparent performance.

Automated summary

The fabrication of a functionalized graphene aerogel from a biomass-derived graphene aerogel is described in this study. The functionalization significantly improves the adsorption capacity, especially for dye removal. Comparative analysis shows that the adsorption capacity of the functionalized graphene aerogel towards different dyes has been greatly enhanced, and it maintains good recyclability.