Microwave-assisted green synthesis of hybrid nanocomposite: removal of Malachite green from waste water

Gum xanthan/psyllium-based nanocomposite was prepared by microwave-assisted synthetic method for the removal of toxic Malachite green (MG) dye from aqueous solutions. The nanocomposite was prepared by in situ incorporation of the K₂Zn₃Fe(CN)₆]·9H₂O nanoparticles into the semi-IPN matrix in the presence of ammonium persulphate and glutaraldehyde as initiator-crosslinker system. Liquid uptake efficacy of the hybrid superabsorbent was enhanced through the optimization of different reaction conditions, including APS = 0.027 mol L^?1; glutaraldehyde = 0.053 × 10^?3 mol L^?1; solvent = 8.0 mL; acrylic acid = 10.928 mol L^?1; pH 7.0; reaction time = 60 s and microwave power = 100 % and its thermal behavior was evaluated using TGA-DTG-DTA technique. Candidate nanocomposite was characterized by FTIR, SEM, XRD and UV–visible spectroscopic methods. Various optimized parameters for the efficient removal (83 %) of the Malachite green were adsorbent dose of 800 mg, 14 mg L^?1 initial dye concentration and contact time of 28 h. Further, Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms showed good applicability in adsorption process of MG onto the nanocomposite with maximum adsorption efficiency of 3.21 mg g^?1. However, for Freundlich isotherm, R ² was around 0.9947 and value of 1/n was less than 1 for the synthesized nanocomposite which indicated that the Freundlich isotherm was more favorable than Langmuir isotherm model along with its usability for wide range of dye concentrations. The nanocomposite was found to be a potential product for dye removal from waste water and could prove to be a boon for textile sector.