Nanostructured Ag/CuO-loaded sodium alginate hydrogel beads: A green platform for efficient dye remediation

Efficient removal of dyes from the ecosystem has become critical to maintain toxicity-free water bodies. Glycine max extract assisted synthesis of Ag/CuO nanoparticles (NPs) was achieved. These Ag/CuO NPs were then loaded onto Na-alginate hydrogel beads employing sol-gel method. These hydrogel beads carrying NPs (NPs@HB) were characterized using FTIR, SEM, and XRD techniques that confirmed the formation of hydrogel beads with varying morphology. The NPs-loaded hydrogel beads were used for the adsorptive removal of methyl orange (MO) dye from aqueous solution. The highest percentage removal of the dye (81%) was recorded for the hydrogel beads (2 g) carrying maximum proportion of metal NPs. Loading of metal NPs improved the dye removal efficiency of hydrogel material. In addition, the effect of different parameters, including adsorbent dose, agitation speed, and pH, was evaluated for the removal of dye using NPs@HB as an adsorbent. Results revealed that maximum removal was observed at 200 rpm. Keeping in view the results of current study, hydrogel beads impregnated with metal NPs can be one of the best candidates for the removal of toxic pollutants from aqueous medium.