Design of polyamidoamine dendrimer grafted zeolite to remove malachite green from aqueous media

Abstract

The present study describes a new, non-toxic and low-cost composite of zeolite/graphitic carbon nitride modified with highly branched polyamidoamine dendrimer (ZMPA). Graphitic carbon nitride, as an inexpensive and non-toxic compound with different C-N bonds (-NH2), was applied to grow PAMAM on zeolite/g-C3N4 composite. Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis were used to confirm and characterize of ZMPA The adsorption properties associated with the adsorbent considered to remove malachite green (MG) were surveyed using the batch method. Therefore, the influential parameters on the performance of the adsorbent for the removal of MG, such as pH, contact time, initial concentration and adsorbent dosage, were investigated and optimized. The results showed that the maximum adsorption capability of ZMPA was determined to be 1111 mg g− 1 at pH 10 for 30 minutes. These results could be explained by the high electrostatic interaction, and/or trapped dye molecules in the cavities between the absorbed and the absorbent. The novel zeolite composite may be regarded as a promising adsorbent for MG removal in various wastewater samples (paint, textile industries) with high adsorption capacity and removal rate.