Phragmites australis as a new cellulose source: Extraction, characterization and adsorption of methylene blue

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate potential use of Phragmites australis in the production of cellulose microfibrils with chemical extraction process. Characterization of the natural P. australis and extracted fibrils were examined by FT-IR, XRD, FE-SEM, TGA, zeta potential and particle size distribution analyses indicating that amorphous polymer parts have been successfully moved away from the plant structure and cellulose content of P. australis was increased from 39.92% ± 0.78% to 91.45 ± 0.49%. Extracted cellulose samples showed microfibrillar structure based on FESEM images. The usability of cellulose microfibrils extracted from P. australis as an adsorbent was investigated in dye removal studies due to its abundant, eco-friendly and low-cost properties. Therefore, Methylene blue (MB) removal capacity of cellulose microfibrils from aqueous solution was tested and the effects of adsorption process parameters were evaluated in a controlled batch system. Maximum adsorption capacity (qmmax) was found to be 54.9 mg/g and the microfibrils allowed MB removal over a wide pH range. Experimental data fit the both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models indicating multilayer adsorption. The adsorption process was better described with pseudo second-order kinetic model. In conclusion, P. australis is a good candidate in high purity cellulose microfibrils production as a natural material. Cellulose microfibrils are a potential alternative source which can be used as an adsorbent for wastewater treatment especially for cationic dye removal. Moreover, it can be used for production of cellulose microfibrils in various industrial applications.