Study of interactions between organic contaminants and a new phosphated biopolymer derived from cellulose

The extensive use of organic molecules (Rhodamine B and Amitriptyline) also has contributed to environmental pollution; adsorption is a relevant method for removal of these contaminants in aqueous media. In this context, the objective of this study was to modify the surface of cellulose (Cel) with phosphoric acid and sodium tripolyphosphate to obtain a biopolymer with incorporated phosphate groups (PCel). The modification was confirmed by X-ray dispersive energy spectroscopy, solid state nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis. The obtained material (PCel) was used as a Rhodamine B (RhB) or Amitriptyline (AmTP) adsorbent, and the highest adsorption capacity of this material was obtained at pH 3.0 (RhB) and 7.0 (AmTP) and the equilibrium time was achieved at 65 (RhB) and 150 min (AmTP). Moreover, the pseudo-first-order model best describes the kinetics of this adsorption. The experimental adsorption isotherms were adjusted to the Langmuir model, indicating that monolayer adsorption occurred and the highest experimental adsorption capacity obtained was 47.58 (RhB) and 45.52 mg g−1 (AmTP) in PCel. The thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption process is exothermic and non-spontaneous, with increase of non-spontaneity with enhance of the temperature. However, PCel was efficient in removing the contaminant (RhB or AmTP) in an aqueous solution.