Graphene oxide (GO)-coated microbubble flotation for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) removal from aqueous solutions. Issue 6 (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yahya, M.S.; Lau, E.V.
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental chemical engineering. Volume 9:Issue 6(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: GO-coated microbubbles -- Flotation -- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons -- Aqueous solutions; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects; Environmental engineering; Periodicals; 660.0286
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2021.106508
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-2929

Abstract

Abstract: This research aims to synthesize graphene oxide (GO)-coated microbubbles to enhance polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) removal from aqueous solutions through flotation technology. In this research, 1-Dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid ([C12 mim]Cl) was used to bridge microbubbles and GO. The attachment between microbubbles and GO in [C12 mim]Cl solution was successfully observed and quantified using a microscopy visualization technique and UV–VIS Spectrophotometer respectively. The synthesised GO-coated microbubbles were then used to enhance the removal of phenanthrene (PHEN) and pyrene (PYR), a low and high molecular weight PAH respectively, from aqueous solutions via flotation technology. A closed loop laboratory-scale flotation system was developed to compare the PAH removal efficiency by uncoated and GO-coated microbubbles. The PHEN and PYR removal efficiencies increased significantly to 64.77% and 74.01%, respectively for GO-coated microbubbles as compared to uncoated microbubbles of 18.91% and 19.65%, respectively during flotation. Furthermore, the higher removal efficiency of PYR compared to PHEN implied that GO-coated microbubbles were more efficient at removing higher molecular weight PAHs (more hydrophobic) which are more detrimental to the environment Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: GO-coated microbubbles enhance PAH removal from aqueous solutions via flotation technology. GO is coated onto microbubbles with aid of 1-Dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid. Removal efficiencies of phenanthrene and pyrene are 64.77% and 74.01%, respectively. Removal of HMW PAH is higher due to increased hydrophobicity and π-π interactions. GO-coated microbubbles enhances environmental remediation using flotation.