In Situ Disassembling Behavior of Composite Hydrogels for the Efficient Removal of Crystal Violet Dye from Aqueous Solution

A novel method for the disassembly of synthetic hydrogels in situ and thereby enhanced adsorption of crystal violet dye is reported. Silicon present in the husk ashes of Panicum miliare is used as the trigger for disassembly of poly(2-acrylamido-1-propane sulfonic acid-co-itaconic acid) hydrogels. Disassembling ability of the ash was determined by changing the temperature of the husk ash. Surface area and particle sizes of both the disassembled and assembled forms of the hydrogels were determined by E. Suito’s method. Removal of crystal violet dye from aqueous solution and the respective adsorption capacities of disassembled and assembled forms of hydrogels were compared by varying parameters such as pH, temperature, and agitation speed. Concentration of the dye in aqueous solution was determined by using UV-Visible spectrophotometer. FTIR analysis was carried out for the characterization of the hydrogels, ash blended hydrogels, and the free ashes. SEM imaging was carried out to differentiate the surfaces of the assembled and disassembled hydrogels.