Facile Preparation of Nanocryptomelane and Its Application in the Treatment of Aqueous Solutions Containing Basic Fuchsin

Abstract

Cryptomelane nanomaterials were synthesized by a facile redox–reflux method. The physicochemical properties of these composites were studied in detail using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, laser Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and N2 adsorption–desorption techniques. The catalytic activities of nanocryptomelane were evaluated through treatment of aqueous solutions that contained basic fuchsin. In the case of basic fuchsin, the catalytic activity of synthetic nanocryptomelane was much higher than that of natural cryptomelane. Moreover, synthetic nanocryptomelane shows high stability and recyclability, has a high specific surface area, and is rich in mesopores. It could be anticipated that the specific surface area of the material had an obvious effect on the degradation of basic fuchsin. Kinetic studies indicated that the reaction follows the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. The catalytic activities were found to be primarily correlated with the specific surface area. Overall, cryptomelane nanomaterials have great potential in the treatment of dye-containing wastewater.

Superior adsorption performance for triphenylmethane dyes on 3D architectures assembled by ZnO nanosheets as thin as ∼1.5 nm

“…Triphenylmethane dyes, such as acid fuchsin (AF), malachite green (MG) and basic fuchsin (BF) are widely used in the textile industry for dying nylon, wool, silk, and cotton, as well as in the paper and leather industries [1]. These dyes are generally toxic and quite stable due to presence of nitrogen in their back bone structures [2].…”

“…These dyes are generally toxic and quite stable due to presence of nitrogen in their back bone structures [2]. Industrial wastewater containing these dyes causes not only environmental pollution, but also extinction of some aquatic species through enrichment of mutagenic and carcinogenic materials in their food chain [1,3]. There have been a variety of water treatment processes developed to remove dyes from wastewater, most notably by adsorbents, chemical decomposition by oxidation [4,5], and microbiological decoloration [6,7].…”