Remediation of Dye-Contaminated Water Using Brown Algae Seaweed Supported Copper Nanoparticles

The current study provides a platform for the convenient one-pot green synthesis of seaweed supported copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using aqueous Sargassum cervicorne (S cervicorne) extract for the first time. The successful synthesis of CuNPs was proven by Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy by observing a mild Surface plasmon Resonance around 500-600 nm. The Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed that the seaweed extract aided the synthesis and capping of CuNPs, while energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy verified the presence of Cu. The scanning electron- and transmission electron micrographs of the CuNPs exhibited spherical shapes with sizes ranging between 2.6 and 3 nm. The X-ray diffractogram of CuNPs indicated an amorphous nature; whereas, the thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the seaweed-based CuNPs were thermally stable up to 150 degrees C. The surface area of 4.03 m(2)/g and pore volume of 0.002191 cm(3)/g for the synthesized CuNPs was determined by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis. The prepared CuNPs were tested for their application as a catalyst for the reduction of azo dyes (Methyl orange (MO), Congo red (CR), and Methyl Red (MR)) using the sodium borohydride (reducing agent) following the pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics. The synthesized CuNPs displayed an excellent degradation of about 98.23% for CR (0.08 M) while 98.58% at a catalyst dose of (180 mu g/mu l) forMO (0.06 M) with k(app) 0.48 min(-1) at a catalyst dose of 160 (mu g/mu l) in 8 min of reaction time. A degradation of 92.02% was obtained for MR (0.1 M) dye with k(app) value of 0.29 min(-1) at a catalyst dosage of 120 (mu g/mu l) in 10 min. Thus, proving the successful production of ecofriendly and economically sustainable CuNPs for the treatment of dye-contaminated water.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the convenient synthesis of seaweed supported copper nanoparticles using aqueous Sargassum cervicorne extract. The synthesized CuNPs were characterized and tested as catalysts for dye degradation, showing excellent performance. The findings highlight the potential of ecofriendly CuNPs for the treatment of dye-contaminated water.