Synthesis, characterization and optimization of PVA/SA hydrogel functionalized with zeolite (clinoptilolite): Efficient and rapid color removal from complex textile effluents

This study aims to determine the synthesis of zeolite-based hydrogel composites and their decolorization potential by adsorption method from real textile wastewater containing dye mixture. Initial bridging was used to create the cross-linked hydrogel with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium alginate (SA), and then natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) particles were uniformly distributed throughout the polymer matrix. Investigations were also conducted into the impacts of adsorption correlation parameters such as pH, adsorbent concentration, reaction time, temperature, zeolite (%) content and drying time (particle size) by using the Response Surface Methodology. SEM and FTIR techniques were used to analyze changes in the parental hydrogel polymer's property profile following the addition of zeolite. It was found that the adsorption process applied for color removal with Zeolite/PVA/SA hydrogel composite was a chemical process that could achieve 86% optimum color removal and 166 Pt-Co/g adsorption capacity, respectively. Adsorption kinetics was most effectively explained using a pseudo-second-order model, and the adsorption isotherm followed the Langmuir model with a 559.47 mg/g adsorption capacity. Intraparticle and liquid film diffusion mechanisms worked together to control the diffusion of dye molecules into the ZDH's internal structure. In addition, when the change in the performance of ZDHs after it was activated and applied five times was examined, it was determined that the activation did not have a significant effect on the reusability of the ZDH particles. When the same particles were subjected to color adsorption in wastewater five times in a row, the adsorption efficiency of ZDHs decreased significantly after the third application. It was also demonstrated that the ZDH particles did not desorb color in three consecutive cycles without the need for any activation. This study also revealed that zeolite doped hydrogel particles could be used as an alternative, environmentally friendly, low-cost adsorbents for color removal from industrial wastewater containing dyestuffs like those in the textile industry.

Automated summary

This study aimed to synthesize zeolite-based hydrogel composites for decolorization of real textile wastewater. The hydrogel was created via initial bridging with polyvinyl alcohol and sodium alginate, with zeolite particles distributed throughout the matrix. Response Surface Methodology was used to determine optimal adsorption conditions. The hydrogel composite achieved 86% color removal and a 166 Pt-Co/g adsorption capacity. The composite followed a pseudo-second-order kinetics model and a Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The study also demonstrated the potential of these particles as low-cost adsorbents for color removal from industrial wastewater.