Synthesis, characterization and performance of quaternized cellulose based flocculant derived from office paper waste for dye removal

Abstract

Abstract The quaternized cellulose derivatives (QCs) were synthesized by reacting extracted cellulose from office paper waste with 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CHPTAC) in an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) – urea. The characterization results by using Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicate that the office paper waste properties changed after chemical treatment and the extract product was confirmed cellulose. In addition, the FT-IR and SEM results confirmed the successful introduction of cationic quaternary ammonium groups into the main chain of cellulose. Meanwhile, the XRD results revealed that the crystalline structure was destroyed during etherification reaction. By using synthetic Congo red dye, the flocculation performance of the QCs was evaluated via standard jar test method at different QC dosages, initial Congo red dye concentration and pH values. It was found that the QC10 exhibited a more effective flocculation capability as compared to other synthesized QCs for over a wide pH value. The QC10 performed the best at pH 7, 100 mg/L of Congo red dye concentration and 50 mg/L of QC dosage, with percentage removal of 89.09 %. These findings demonstrated the potential application of QC in dye removal.