Comparison of structural properties and removal behavior of composites containing chitosan and hexagonal boron nitride in different compositions

ABSTRACTThis study aims to prepare different possible composites using hBN and chitosan in varying ratios and compare them with each other. Composites c/hBN:100/0, c/hBN:75/25 and c/hBN:50/50 were prepared in varying mass ratios. Depending on the changing mass composition, the characterization results are presented in comparison with each other. The surface structures were observed by SEM analysis. FTIR analysis was used for functional group determination. Surface and pore identification was carried out by BET analysis. Crystalline formations were revealed by XRD analysis. True density values were determined by pycnometric analysis. Also, the RB 49 dye removal behavior of the composites was examined and compared with each other. c/hBN:100/0 and c/hBN:75/25 showed the highest removals at pH 4 and as 86.53 and 90.2%, respectively, while c/hBN:50/50 showed it at pH 3 and as 86.59%. The highest adsorption capacities were determined as 105.28, 160.71 and 159.01 mg/g for c/hBN:100/0, c/hBN:75/25 and c/hBN:50/50, respectively at 0.3 g/L dosage. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model and intraparticle diffusion model fitted well with the processes over time. The Freundlich isotherm model was found to be compatible with the processes. The positive ΔH and ΔS values and negative ΔG values of each process were presented.KEYWORDS: CharacterizationcomparisoncompositeRB 49removal Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Abbreviations/Nomenclatures Abbreviation/Nomenclature=Full nameqe=adsorption capacityAA=after adsorptionB=boronBN=boron nitrideBET=Brunauer–Emmett–Tellerc/hBN=chitosan/ hexagonal boron nitrideC=constantCu(II)=copper ionR2=correlation coefficientKa=distribution coefficientqt (mg/g)=dye amount adsorbed at anytimeCe (mg/L)=dye concentration at equilibriumC0 (mg/L)=dye concentration at initialΔH (kJ/mol)=enthalpy changeΔS (kJ/mol K)=entropy changeFTIR=Fourier transform infrared spectroscopyKF (mg1-n.g−1L−n)=Freundlich model constantR (8.314 J/mol K)=gas constantΔG (kJ/mol)=Gibbs free energy changeHe=heliumn−1=heterogeneity factorhBN=hexagonal boron nitrideHCl=hydrochloric acidH+=hydrogen ionH2O2=hydrogen peroxideKL (L/mg)=Langmuir model constantqm (mg/g)=maximum adsorption capacityN=nitrogenpzc=point of zero chargeKi (mg/(g min1/2))=rate constant for intra-particle diffusion modelK1 (1/min)=rate constant for pseudo-first-order kinetic modelK2 (g/(mg min))=rate constant for pseudo-second-order kinetic modelRB3R=reactive blue 3RRB 49=reactive blue 49RP4BN=red P4BNSEM=scanning electron microscopyNaCl=sodium chlorideNaOH=sodium hydroxideNa+=sodium ionT=temperaturet (min)=timeUV-Vis=ultraviolet-visibleV (L)=volumem (g)=weightXRD=X-ray diffractionStatement of Novelty • It has been presented that more than one stable and possible composite can be prepared by testing different mass ratios of chitosan and hexagonal boron nitride.• The characterization of the composites is presented comparatively depending on the changing mass composition.• Removal behavior of the composites was examined and compared with each other.Additional informationFundingThis work was supported by Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University Scientific Research Projects Coordinatorship [project code: 2021-02.BŞEÜ.03-03].