Preparation of Three-Dimensional Chitosan–Graphene Oxide Aerogel for Residue Oil Removal

Graphene oxide has been used as an adsorbent in wastewater treatment. However, the hydrophily and dispersibility in aqueous solution limit its practical application in environmental protection. In this paper, a novel, environmentally friendly adsorbent, chitosan and chitosan–graphene oxide aerogels with a diverse shape, large specific surface area, and unique porous structure were prepared by a freeze-drying method. The structure of the adsorbents was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD); the specific surface area and swelling capability were also characterized. In addition, removal of diesel oil from seawater by chitosan aerogel (CSAG) and chitosan–graphene oxide aerogel (AGGO-1 and AGGO-2) was studied and batch adsorption experiments were carried out as a function of different adsorbent dosages (0–6 g), contact time (0–120 minutes), pH (3–9), and initial concentrations of oil residue (3–30 g/L) to determine the optimum condition for the adsorption of residue oil from seawater. The results showed that the chitosan–graphene oxide aerogels were more effective to remove diesel oil from seawater compared with pure chitosan aerogel. A removal efficiency ≥ 95% of the chitosan–graphene oxide aerogels could be achieved easily at the initial concentrations of 20 g/L, which indicated that the chitosan–graphene oxide aerogels can be used to treat the industrial oil leakage or effluent in the natural water. © 2016 Water Environment Federation