Efficient Sequestration of Congo Red Dye from Aqueous Solutions Using Pamam Dendrimer-Silica Composite

This study investigates the removal of Congo Red dye from aqueous solution using functionalized generation 3.0 and 5.0 polyamidoamine dendrimer-silica gel composite (G-3PS, G-5PS). Fourier Transform-Infra Red spectroscopy, Brunauer Emmett and Teller, Thermo Gravimetric Analysis, pH at point of zero charge, and scanning electron microscopy measurements have been applied to characterize the synthetic nanohybrid composite, these techniques revealed the successful functionalization of both dendrimer molecules and subsequent immobilization onto silica gel. The implications of varying adsorption parameters such as contact time, initial concentration of adsorbate, temperature and pH on both composites were studied. Experimental data obtained from batch adsorption processes were fitted into two equilibrium isotherms (Langmuir and Freundlich) and 3 kinetic models (Pseudo-First-Order, Pseudo-Second-Order, Intra Particle Diffusion). Adsorption mechanism was mainly governed by film diffusion due to electrostatic interactions between the functionalized dendrimer surface and Congo Red molecules. Thermodynamic parameters illustrate that the adsorption is endothermic and spontaneous. Findings suggest the Nanocomposites (G-3PS and G-5PS) are good adsorbents for the removal of Congo Red dye from aqueous solutions.