Development of High-Performance Composite from Sugarcane Bagasse and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Enhanced Adsorption Applications

A novel composite of sugarcane bagasse with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the ratio of 3:1 (m/m), respectively, was prepared. The bagasse was initially combined with functionalized MWCNTs using an HNO3-H2SO4 mixture, after which it was crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. Several characterization techniques like SEM, TEM, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis, were used to demonstrate the successful functionalization of the MWCNTs and the covalent anchorage of the bagasse onto the functionalized MWCNTs. The composite was subsequently evaluated alongside bagasse for its effectiveness in removing heavy metal ions from a multi-component metal ion mixture through batch adsorption studies. The findings indicated the enhanced sorption properties for some heavy metals. This composite, therefore, shows good potential for applications that involve pre-concentration and removal of water pollutants.