Non-toxic chitosan-pyrazole adsorbent enriched with greenly synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles for dye removal from wastewater

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2023-06, Vol.241, p.124632-124632, Article 124632
• Main Authors: Salama, Hend E., Abdel Aziz, Mohamed S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chitosan - chemistry; Chitosan Schiff base; Coloring Agents - chemistry; Dye removal; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Schiff Bases; Wastewater; Zinc Oxide - chemistry; Zinc oxide nanoparticles
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124632

The limited usage of chitosan as a dye adsorbent is attributed to its compact structure and low swelling ability, despite its exceptional properties. The present study aimed to prepare novel chitosan/pyrazole Schiff base (ChS) adsorbents enriched with greenly synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles. The preparation of ZnO-NPs was carried out through a green approach using the Coriandrum sativum extract. The presence of ZnO-NPs at the nanoscale was validated through TEM, DLS and XRD analyses. FTIR and 1H NMR confirmed the successful preparation of the Schiff base and its ZnO-NPs adsorbents. The incorporation of ZnO-NPs improved the thermal, swelling and antimicrobial properties of the chitosan Schiff base. In addition, a significant improvement in the adsorption of Maxilon Blue dye from its aqueous solution by the Schiff base/ZnO-NPs adsorbent was achived. The prepared ChS/ZnO-NPs adsorbent has the potential to be used as an alternative to conventional adsorbents for the removal of dyes from wastewater. •Green ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were prepared using Coriandrum sativum extract.•Chitosan Schiff base (ChS) containing a pyrazole moiety was synthesized.•ChS was incorporated with varying amounts of ZnO-NPs.•ZnO-NPs incorporation led to enhanced thermal, biological, and swelling properties.•The prepared ChS/ZnO-NPs adsorbent efficiently removed MB dye from its solution.