Statistical optimization and selective uptake of Au(III) from aqueous solution using carbon nanotube-cellulose based adsorbent

Abstract

In this study, a carbon nanotube cellulose-based UV-curable nanocomposite was prepared as an adsorbent to selectively separate Au (III) ions from an aqueous medium. For this purpose, thiol-functionalized carbon nanotube and acrylate-functionalized hydroxyethyl cellulose were synthesized and the photo-curable adsorbent was obtained using the thiol-ene click reaction. The FTIR spectra revealed that the thiol groups and acrylate groups were successfully attached to carbon nanotube and hydroxyethyl cellulose, respectively. Moreover, the Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-Ray analyses showed that the photo-curable adsorbent contained sulfur atoms, thus indicating successful modification. The parameters affecting the recovery of the Au (III) ions were determined using the Plackett-Burman method. The optimum values of the parameters, which were pH, adsorption time, initial Au (III) concentration, and adsorbent amount were determined using the Box-Behnken method. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm was determined to be the best equation to describe the interaction of the Au (III) ions with the adsorbent (R2: 0.995). The examination of the effectiveness of the photo-curable adsorbent in the presence of different metal ions yielded prosperous results. Also, the developed method has been successfully applied for the recovery of Au(III) ions in river waters. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd