Low cost silica nanoparticles biosorbent obtained from sugarcane waste ash

Abstract

Sugarcane waste ash, a Si-rich source, is generated in large quantity and can create a serious disposal problem. The production of silica nanoparticles (silicaNPs) from sugarcane waste ash varying ash:NaOH mass ratio was evaluate. The samples were characterized by total X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, XRD, surface area and pore distribution, FTIR and TGA and applied as biosorbent for methylene blue dye removal. The yield of silicaNPs extraction remained constant from ash:NaOH mass ratio 1:1.5. Si content was 77.32 wt.% and 94.89wt. % for sugarcane waste ash and silicaNP 1:1.5, respectively. SilicaNP 1:1.5 presented particles smaller than 100 nm, surface area of 63 m2 g-1 and adsorption capacity of 37 mg g-1 for methylene blue. The results indicate that was possible to obtain a biosorbent, from a renewable source, with low cost and with easy and fast synthesis procedure.