Sol-gel mediated synthesis of silica nanoparticle from Bambusa vulgaris leaves and its environmental applications: kinetics and isotherms studies

The present investigation had made to synthesis of silica nanoparticle (SiNp) from Bambusa vulgaris leaves (BVL) ash by using sol-gel technique and it was utilized for the removal of Cadmium (Cd) and Congo red (CR) in aqueous solutions. Further, the synthesized adsorbent was characterized using instrumental techniques such as XRD, FTIR, FESEM-EDS mapping, TEM, BET, and Zeta potential. In addition, the batch mode technique (such as pH, adsorbent dose, and contact time) was carried out for optimization of Cd and CR removal. The adsorption behavior and capacity was calculated using different isotherms and kinetics. The obtained results of Cd and CR removal were optimized with following parameters such as pH 7, adsorbent dose (100mg), and equilibrium time (30min). Also, the adsorbent behavior was found suitable in Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm model and its maximum adsorbent capacity was 133 and 172mg/g. The kinetic data were better fitted into the pseudo-second order model. The results concluded that the synthesized SiNp was the best adsorbent for the removal of his investigation utilized Bambusa vulgaris leaves for synthesis of silica nanoparticle by sol-gel process and removal of Cadmium and Congo red. Bamboo species are considered one of the fast growing and high yielding plants. Mostly, it has been utilized for making of winnow, basket, fan, and pulp production. Indeed, as per previous reports this leaves are considered as waste; also they analyzed chemical properties of leaves. It contained higher percentage (more than 35%) of silica. Finally, we conclude that synthesized silica nanoparticle are eco-friendly and economically efficient adsorbent for removal of heavy metals as well as dyes in the aqueous solutions and also best solution for agricultural waste managemeHighlightsSilica nanoparticles were synthesized from Bambusa vulgaris leaves by sol-gel method.Silica nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, FTIR, FESEM-EDS mapping, TEM, BET, and Zeta potential.Cadmium and Congo red were removed using synthesized silica nanoparticles in batch mode.Maximum adsorption capacity (Q(o)) of Cd and Congo red were 133, 172mg/g, respectively.