Uptake of propranolol on ionic liquid iron nanocomposite adsorbent: Kinetic, thermodynamics and mechanism of adsorption

Propranolol is very important drug but creates several side effects and problems for healthy person if present as water contaminant. For propranolol drug residue removal from water ionic liquid iron nanocomposite particles were prepared by green technology, analyzed and exploited as sorbent for removal of propranolol drug residue in water. Residual propranolol in water was monitored by HPLC [new generation aqua C28 (25 cm × 4.6 mm id) column with buffer/acetonitrile (30:70; pH 3.0) as mobile phase]. The maximum removal of propranolol was 90% with initial concentration 50 μg/L; shaking time: 40 min., pH: 9.0, Dose: 1.0 g/L and 25 °C temp. The ionic liquid iron nano-composite adsorbent was selective for propranolol. The sorption data followed all Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. The values of ΔG° were − 11.34, − 11.38 and − 11.45 kJ/mol at 20, 25 and 30 °C temperatures. ΔH° value was − 9.31 kJ/mol; representing exothermic sorption. ΔS° value was − 6.11 × 10− 3 kJ/mol K; representing entropy reduces during sorption. Kinetics modeling proved pseudo first order and the liquid-film-diffusion mechanisms of the sorption. The evolved method was speedy, ecological and cost-effective as can be applied at the pHs of normal water sources with low dose and shaking time. The technique could be applied for the elimination of propranolol from water resource at monetary level.