Synergistic sorption performance of cellulose-modified La0.9Sr0.1FeO3 for organic pollutants

Abstract

La0.9Sr0.1FeO3 was successfully prepared by the cellulose-modified microwave-assisted citrate method at relatively low calcination temperatures of 450 and 600 °C. Prepared unmodified and cellulose-modified samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, FTIR, and BET surface area measurements. Characterization techniques ascertained the formation of LaFeO3 perovskite phase with the coexistence of the cellulosic phase for modified samples. The cellulose modification resulted in smaller particle size and higher BET values. The adsorption performance of cellulose-modified perovskite for congo red dye removal from aqueous solutions, and wastewater was investigated. The adsorption followed pseudo 1st order and intra-particle diffusion kinetic models, the maximum adsorption capacity, qm of cellulose-modified La0.9Sr0.1FeO3, 38.46 mg g−1, was higher than those of either individual cellulose and unmodified La0.9Sr0.1FeO3, 18.2 and 13.89 mg g−1, respectively. The value of qm was decreased by increasing the calcination temperature due to the decreased cellulose content. The proposed sorbent could be regenerated and reused, with an excellent performance, compared to the freshly prepared one.