Tunable physical properties and dye removal application of novel Chitosan Polyethylene glycol and polypyrrole/carbon black films

Abstract In this study, polypyrrole/carbon black (PPy/C) filler with different amounts (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) was immobilized in a polymer blend consisting of chitosan/polyethylene glycol (CS/PEG) to produce conductive and dye adsorbent films. The study employed various distinctive techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, and high-resolution scanning electron microscope, indicating that composites have high complexity and good interaction. Through the implementation of the UV-Vis technique, it has been observed that the reflectance of composites experiences enhancement with an increase in PPy/C content. The discussion covers the optical constants, such as the composites’ refractive index and optical conductivity. Notably, the uniform dispersion of PPy/C has caused a significant rise in the electrical conductivity of the pristine blend from 1.182 × 10 −8 (Ω.cm) −1 to 1.42 × 10 −5 (Ω.cm) −1 when 15% PPy/C was added. This increased conductivity is attributable to correlated barrier-hopping mechanisms. The effects of increasing PPy/C quantity, contact time (0–260 min), initial MO dye concentration (20–120 mg/L), adsorbent film dosage (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 g/L), and the initial pH (4–10) were examined. Incorporating PPy/C up to 10% improved the removal effectiveness of the composite film. The 10% PPy/C film exhibited the maximum removal effectiveness relative to other films. Langmuir showed better conventionality than the Freundlich isotherm model with R 2 of 0.999. The maximal adsorption capacity observed in monolayer adsorption was determined to be 217 mg/g. The adsorption of MO by the 10% PPy/C film is a chemisorption process, according to the parameters of the kinetic studies. (CS/PEG)- (PPy/C) films could be assigned to the synergistic dye adsorption effect of PPy/C filler and CS/PEG polymer-making material, ensuring excellent adsorption efficiency. Because of these appealing characteristics, PPy/C has the potential to be an environmentally friendly adsorbent in the treatment of dye wastewater.