Genipin Nanoparticles-Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide Membranes: A Promising Solution for Arsenic Ion Removal From Wastewater

Abstract

Arsenic-contaminated water has significant adverse impacts on human health and the environment. New polymeric membranes containing reduced graphene oxide are under development and research due to the exceptional properties of this material. The addition of reduced graphene oxide in membranes is associated with improving physical and mechanical properties as well as arsenic separation performance. A specialized cross-linked genipin nanoparticles-doped reduced graphene oxide membrane was created and analyzed for the purpose of efficiently eliminating arsenic ions from wastewater. A genipin nanoparticle-based reduced graphene oxide matrix was developed using a simple and scalable method to produce the high-performance membrane. Genipin enhances the integrity and functioning of the membrane and is recognized for its minimal cytotoxic effects and compatibility with living organisms. Pectin-based membranes including various concentrations of reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) were created and analyzed for their shape, physical–chemical characteristics, thermal properties, and separation efficiency. Analyzing membrane morphology was done using SEM, thermal stability was assessed by TGA, and functional groups and material structure were examined with FTIR. Water flux, bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection, and adsorption characteristics were, respectively, studied via permeation tests, protein rejection experiments, and batch adsorption experiments. The aggregation of reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) was confirmed, which might have impacted the efficiency of the membranes. The thermal stability of the membranes did not alter in the presence of r-GO, and no additional bands were found in the FTIR spectra, suggesting that the interactions between pectin and r-GO were of physical nature. Both static and dynamic adsorption modes were used to assess the adsorption efficiency of the membranes. The constructed membrane demonstrated an arsenic removal capacity of 340 mg/g, surpassing the performance of many alternative materials. This innovative membrane has great potential for use in wastewater treatment due to its sustainable and effective method for removing arsenic ions. The newly produced membranes have also shown outstanding regeneration capabilities. After three regeneration cycles, the membrane remained effective in treating more arsenic-contaminated water. Thus, our adsorptive membrane might provide a novel approach for removing arsenic from water and assuring the security of drinking water.