Synthesis and Characterization of Nanostructured Sorbents Derived from Rice Husks using FTIR, SEM, TEM and XRD Approaches
Oluchi S. Ochie *
Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate, National Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Sylvia I. Okonkwo
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, P.M.B 02, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Obinna P. Okwuego
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, P.M.B 02, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study focuses on the development and characterization of a nanostructured sorbent derived from an agricultural waste. The rice husks were collected from a rice mill, washed and ground into fine powder, and then subjected to chemical and thermal treatments to convert them into nanostructured materials with enhanced surface properties suitable for oil adsorption. Characterization of the sorbent was done using scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface analysis. Results obtained confirmed the nanostructural nature of the sorbent, revealing high porosity and the presence of functional groups that promote oil adsorption. The study concludes that the sorbent developed from rice husks could provide an ecofriendly and cost-effective nanomaterial that could effectively be deployed for remediation of oil-contaminated water.
Keywords: Nano sorbent, nano materials, sorption capacity, adsorption isotherm, water remediation