Functionalization of Tinospora cordifolia stem waste charcoal (FTCC) and its utilization for decontamination of water

Abstract

Biomass has a wide range of uses due to its cost-effectiveness and enormous diversity of functional groups. This research investigates the production of an inexpensive and efficient adsorbent using the stem waste charcoal (FTCC) of Tinospora cordifolia and its use in water decontamination, with a focus on the elimination of metal ions and dyes. The study shows that chemically functionalizing the surface of charcoal with APTES (3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane) improves adsorption capabilities. Various characterization techniques, such as FTIR, FESEM, TGA, and BET studies, were used to evaluate the efficiency of FTCC. The results showed a considerable improvement in surface qualities that are favourable for adsorption. BET evaluations indicate that functionalized carbon has a high surface area of 1.45766 m².g⁻¹ and a pore volume of 0.534772 cm³.g⁻¹. Adsorption data fit well with Langmuir model and follow pseudo-second-order kinetics. Thermodynamic parameters reveal the endothermic adsorption of Congo red dye and exothermic adsorption of Cr (VI) metal ion. The batch adsorption experiments revealed that FTCC was capable of removing various dyes and metal ions from aqueous solution, with adsorption capacity 65.22 mg/g for Congo red and 56.61 mg/g for Cr (VI). The FTCC showed good reusability potential up to 6th cycle. Additionally, tests with water samples containing contaminants have been conducted to demonstrate the best adsorbent quality of FTCC. The study highlights the feasibility of using functionalized charcoal FTCC derived from agricultural debris as a renewable alternative for restoring the environment and water remediation.

Graphical abstract