Preparation of cellulose/sodium alginate/sepiolite porous microspheres and their adsorption properties for methylene blue

To improve the feasibility of cellulose microspheres for application in wastewater treatment, microcrystalline cellulose/sodium alginate/sepiolite (MSS) composite porous microspheres were synthesized via a two-step method of self-assembly and suspension droplet. The as-prepared MSS microspheres were characterized by SEM, FT-IR and XRD analyses, and the results display that the MSS microspheres possess a layered cross-linked porous structure. Parameters affecting dye uptake (such as pH and sepiolite content) were evaluated, and pH of 7 and MSS-30 microsphere were taken as the optimal removal environment and adsorbent. The maximum adsorption capacity of MSS-30 microsphere was found to be 319.5 mg/g, indicating an efficient and feasible adsorbent for MB removal from wastewater. (paper)