Removal of direct dyes from aqueous solution by oxidized starch cross-linked chitosan/silica hybrid membrane

In this research, chitosan/oxidized starch/silica (CS/OSR/Silica) hybrid membrane was prepared by using oxidized starch and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) as cross-linking agents. The characterizations of the hybrid membrane were investigated by using attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry (TG) analysis and swelling measurement. The CS/OSR/Silica hybrid membrane exhibited the improved thermal stability and low degree of swelling in water. The adsorption properties of the CS/OSR/Silica hybrid membrane were studied by using two direct dyes (Blue 71 and Red 31). The results indicated the adsorption capacity of the CS/OSR/Silica hybrid membrane was found optimal at pH 9.82 and temperature 60 °C for Blue 71 and Red 31. The adsorption kinetic data followed pseudo-second order kinetic model and the adsorption behavior of the two dyes on the hybrid membrane fitted well with the Freundlich model. The CS/OSR/Silica hybrid membrane can be used as an appropriate biosorbent for removal of direct dyes from colored wastewater.