Efficient Removal of Cationic Micro-Pollutant Using Sodium-Linked Mesoporous Adsorbent: Characterisation, Kinetic and Isotherm Studies

This study investigates the potential of sodium-linked mesoporous structures of sunflower husks for the efficient removal of Rosaline chloride, a cationic micro-pollutant from aqueous solutions, through the studies of the adsorption behaviors of rosaline chloride onto the modified sunflower husks powder. The experimental methodology involved the synthesis of sodium-linked mesoporous lignocellulosic material, followed by rigorous characterization using techniques such as FTIR, DRX, SEM-EDX, and BET surface area analysis. Additionally, the compatibility of several kinetic and isothermal models with this adsorption process was tested. The characterization results confirmed the presence of a mesoporous lignocellulosic structure reinforced by sodium bonds. This material had a surface specific area is 31.9 m²/g, a total pore volume of 0.02 cm³/g and an average pore was 2.4 nm in diameter. The results under ideal conditions indicated fast adsorption kinetics that fit the Pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir–Freundlich isothermal model, with the maximum adsorption capacity according to this model, being 25.4 mg/g. These findings revealed favorable adsorption capacities, highlighting the effectiveness of sodium-linked mesoporous structures of sunflower husks in removing cationic micro-pollutants from aqueous environments.