Naturally derived infiltration matrix using Cyperus articulatus to control iodine and improvised elimination of methylene blue

Abstract

We explored a high-performance green infiltration matrix, mechanisms in filtration, and highlight the real-world applications balancing the challenge of filtration effectiveness with natural degradability. A natural precursor from wetlands – the Cyperus articulatus led an easily prepared purified carbonaceous product (referred to as CAC), without toxic chemical route, which has shown to be an efficient scavenger for emerging contaminants of concern from environmental matrices. The evidence supporting an (ad)sorption-controlled mechanism was plausibly explained using analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential, and scanning electron microscopy analyses. Comprehensive data offer insights into material fabrication, interface dynamics, and the influence of quality factors in both gas and liquid environments. Holistic understanding of the reaction mechanism and interfacial interaction of biogenic derivative of CACs on iodine and sunlight-boosted uptake of methylene blue (MB) dye was also investigated. A series of experiments were carried out where iodine molecules mixed with solid/solvent were tested with solid CAC for the reaction, leading to an excellent accumulation (613 mg/g). Kinetically controlled reaction mechanism yielded pseudo second order rate constants, signifying that the rate limiting step could be the chemisorptions of iodine onto CAC. Furthermore, the (ad)sorption capacities were found to be 25.28 mg/g and 22.62 mg/g for sunlight and dark conditions, respectively, modeled via the Langmuir-Freundlich equation (R² ≈1) for MB during a 2-hour period. The achievements of CAC are important, especially considering the challenges faced during the extraction of iodine and MB. Altogether, CACs can offer vital platforms for green and sustainable tools in remediation processes.