Preparation and characterization of graphene oxide/O-carboxymethyl chitosan (GO/CMC) composite and its unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) adsorption performance from wastewater

Abstract

ABSTRACT The removal of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) has long been a concern because of its harmful effect on the environment and humans. This study aimed to prepare a novel graphene oxide/O-carboxymethyl chitosan (GO/CMC) composite adsorbent using the solution-blending method for the removal of UDMH from wastewater. The prepared GO/CMC was systematically characterized by Fourier-transform infrared, Raman, scanning electronic microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric, and zeta potential analyses. The effects of initial pH, temperature, adsorbent dosage, initial concentration, contact time, and recyclability on the UDMH adsorption behaviour of GO/CMC were studied. The adsorption kinetics was consistent with the pseudo-second-order kinetics model, and the adsorption process was mainly controlled by chemisorption. Adsorption isotherms indicated that the adsorption of UDMH by GO/CMC followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The adsorption mechanisms were mainly electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, and surface complexation. Furthermore, GO/CMC composites can be used as a renewable and eco-friendly adsorbent for the removal of UDMH wastewater. The designed GO/CMC composites exhibited a relatively satisfactory recyclability and removal efficiency after five adsorption–desorption cycles.