Ultrasound assisted preparation of nanoclay Bentonite-FeCo nanocomposite hybrid hydrogel: A potential responsive sorbent for removal of organic pollutant from water

Abstract

Synthesis of poly(acrylic acid)-bentonite-FeCo (PAA-B-FeCo) hydrogel nanocomposite via ultrasound assisted in situ emulsion polymerization was carried out. Addition of exfoliated bentonite clay platelets and Fe-Co increased the strength and stability of hydrogel and assisted the adsorption of an organic pollutant. The response of the nanocomposite hydrogel was evaluated using a cationic dye, crystal violet (CV) under different temperature, pH, and cavitation environment. The optimum temperature was found to be 35°C and basic pH (optimum at 11) was responsible for the higher adsorption of dye due to dissociation of COO- ions at higher pH. Bimetallic components form the metal ions in hydrogel ..