Effects of beading parameters for development of chitosan-nano-activated carbon biocomposite for acetaminophen elimination from aqueous sources

This article presents the development of a composite adsorbent based on chitosan (Cs) and nano-activated carbon (NAC). Potential application of Cs-NAC beads for acetaminophen (ACT) elimination from aqueous solution was also studied. In the present study, NAC coalesced with Cs to form composite adsorbents, which were obtained by using the extrusion-dripping technique. Effects of adsorbent preparation conditions were investigated. Results revealed that the best preparation parameters were as follows: (1) a Cs concentration of 1.75% (w/v) employing 70% (w/w) of NAC in the form of beads; (2) a dripping flowrate of 2 mL/min; and (3) a dripping distance of greater than 9 cm, to achieve 81% of ACT removal. Field emission scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, zeta potential, and Raman spectroscopy were used to determine the morphology of the prepared beads. Results revealed that the prepared adsorbents were able to remove ACT effectively. Encapsulating NAC with Cs stabilizes the material and reduces the amount of NAC used without compromising its performance. Developing NAC and Cs biocomposites (Cs-NAC) in beads form could overcome the disadvantages of both the Cs and the NAC by enhancing their adsorption performance. Until now, there are no available reports on the preparation of Cs-NAC biocomposites for ACT removal, and the effects of the beading parameters on the preparation of this bio-nanocomposite.