Synthesis and application of a new multi-functional biopolymer-based aerogel loaded with bistriazole derivative as highly efficient adsorbent and disinfectant

Herein, we exploited xanthan gum (XG) and cationic dextran (CD) in designing a novel porous aerogel (XCD) loaded with different concentrations of a new bistriazole derivative (CPSC). The CPSC was deposited into and onto the pores of aerogels. The neat aerogel removed both AB40 dye and Cu2+ efficiently. Adding 0.5 g of CPSC to the neat aerogel (XCD-0.50 sample) improved slightly the adsorption of Cu2+ and has no effect on the adsorption of AB40 dye. XCD-0.50 removed almost completely 10 mg/L of AB40 dye in 10 min using 0.5 g/L at pHi 6 while for Cu2+ longer contact time (90 min) and higher dosage (2.0 g/L) were required to remove 10 mg/L solution at pHi 5. Relative to literature, the Langmuir adsorption capacity of XCD-0.5 toward AB40 dye (436 mg/g) was the highest and toward Cu2+ (60 mg/g) was comparable to others. The aerogel XCD-0.50 was regenerable and reusable for three cycles with reasonable efficiency. By submerging a bacterial solution (106 CFU/mL) in the XCD-0.75 aerogel for 90 min, an impressive 6-log decrease in the number of bacteria was obtained under ideal circumstances. Crucially, toxicity test clearly confirmed that the prepared aerogels had non-toxic impact. Across all investigated bacterial species, XCD-0.75 continuously achieved a 6-log CFU decrease after 180 min, demonstrating its efficacy in the context of disinfection experiment. The results of the study highlight the extraordinary potential of the biopolymer aerogel loaded with CPSC as a potent adsorbent and disinfectant. They show significant removal of toxic trace elements and dyes, along with microbial reduction in industrial wastewater, underscoring the aerogel's potential use in water treatment.