Application Of Modified Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Based Materials And UV Photolysis For Remediation Of 2 Methylpyridine

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop an effective adsorbent for 2Mp removal in batch and column studies, followed by optimization of the process parameters by statistical modelling and thereafter to suggest a suitable regeneration technique for recurrent adsorbent use. newlineTo achieve this, removal of 2Mp from aqueous solutions was performed using adsorbents namely Alstonia scholaris biochar (ASC) and graphene oxide nanomaterial (GON), and their 2Mp removal was compared with commercial activated carbon (CAC). A safer method for synthesis of graphene oxide nanocomposite was developed. GON was characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD, etc. Batch adsorption studies of GON, ASC and CAC were performed with 2Mp and the best adsorbent was determined. Mechanism of 2Mp adsorption onto GON was determined. Next, design of experiment by Doehlert design was performed for model development for prediction of percent 2Mp removal in batch mode, followed by optimization of the factors affecting the process. newlineNext, a practically applicable adsorbent was prepared for use in column studies for 2Mp removal. For this purpose, graphene oxide was crosslinked with chitosan and coated onto sand (abbreviated as GON-CS-S). Batch studies and column of GON-CS-S with 2Mp was performed, followed by kinetics modelling. Next, Design of experiment by Doehlert design was performed for model equation development for prediction of breakthrough time of the column. Next, the applicability of GON-CS-S in removal of 2Mp from textile dyeing industry effluent was tested using batch and column studies. newlineNext, the photolytic regeneration of exhausted GON-CS-S was performed and a mechanism for the regeneration process was suggested. The degradation mechanism of 2Mp when subjected to UV light was determined. The photolytic degradation products of 2Mp produced in the spent liquor was found. Reuse study was performed for the regenerated GON-CS-S in column studies for 2Mp removal. The thesis was concluded with cost analysis