Development of triethanolamine functionalized-anion exchange membrane for adsorptive removal of methyl orange from aqueous solution

In this work, the fabrication of homogenous triethanolamine functionalized-anion exchange membrane (AEM) was carried out by incorporating triethanolamine into brominated poly(2,6-di-methyl-1,4-phenyleneoxide) (BPPO) matrix via solution casting method. The successful fabrication of triethanolamine functionalized-AEM was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The fabricated triethanolamine functionalized-AEM showed higher thermal stability. Moreover, the prepared AEM showed homogeneous morphology. The fabricated AEM was utilized for the adsorptive discharge of methyl orange (MO) from aqueous solution at room temperature. The effect of several parameters including contact time, amount of the fabricated AEM (adsorbent), and temperature on the percentage discharge of methyl orange from aqueous solution were evaluated. The percentage discharge of MO from aqueous solution was enhanced with the contact time, amount of the fabricated AEM (adsorbent), and temperature. Kinetic models including pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, liquid film diffusion, modified Freundlich equation, and Bangham equation were utilized to study adsorption kinetics for the discharge of MO from aqueous solution. Results showed that experimental data for adsorption of methyl orange from aqueous solution onto the prepared AEM followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.