Optimization of synthesis conditions of amine-functionalized activated rice husk ash for simultaneous removal of methyl orange, nitrate, and phosphate in water

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Nanomaterial Laboratory, An Giang University, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

2 Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Abstract

The capacity of adsorbent materials to simultaneously treat multiple pollutants plays a crucial role in determining the efficiency of practical water and wastewater treatment. Triamine-functionalized activated rice husk ash (TRI-ARHA) was successfully synthesized and exhibited considerable potential as a simultaneous adsorbent for organic compounds, nitrate, and phosphate. This study investigated the effects of the HF concentration in the process of activating rice husk ash as a support, the ratio of triamine silane to activated rice husk ash, and the type of amine functional group used in the grafting process on the synthesis of the TRI-ARHA material; these synthesis conditions were optimized using an experimental design approach. The results showed that the maximum adsorption capacities of TRI-ARHA material for MO, nitrate, and phosphate were approximately 15.8 mgMO/g, 34.3 mgNO3--N/g, and 13.4 mgPO43--P/g, respectively, under the optimal synthesis conditions with an HF concentration of ~ 4.86% and triamine silane to an activated rice husk ash volume ratio of ~ 3.12 mL/g. Validation of the optimized TRI-ARHA material demonstrated practical adsorption performance, achieving approximately 93.1% of the model's predicted performance. Overall, a basic TRI-ARHA synthesis procedure has been established to support further research, development, and practical applications. This contributes to improved water and wastewater treatment efficiency, promoting the circular economy of rice husk ash waste.

Graphical Abstract

Optimization of synthesis conditions of amine-functionalized activated rice husk ash for simultaneous removal of methyl orange, nitrate, and phosphate in water

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Advances in Environmental Technology
Volume 12, Issue 2
April 2026
Pages 243-255

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History

  • Receive Date: 07 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 24 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 21 April 2026

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