Surface Functionalization of Phragmites Australis Fibers with CTAB
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: The valorization of abundant lignocellulosic biomass has developed into a sustainable and economical approach to wastewater purification. In this study, Phragmites australis (P.A.), a widely available and renewable plant, was selected as a precursor material for the elimination of anionic dyes from waters. The raw biomass, however, exhibits low adsorption capacity due to the absence of active binding sites. To overcome this limitation, P.A. fibers were chemically modified by grafting quaternary ammonium salts, thereby introducing positively charged surface groups. This surface treatment enhances the electrostatic affinity between the adsorbent and anionic dye molecules. Indigo carmine (IC) was selected as a model pollutant because of its high chemical stability, resistance to natural degradation, and widespread use in the textile and industrial sectors, all of which render its removal particularly challenging using conventional treatment methods. The functionalized biomass is expected to demonstrate significantly improved adsorption performance toward such contaminants. Several physicochemical characterization techniques confirmed the success of the modification. The Boehm titration method revealed changes in the distribution of acidic and basic surface groups. Determination of the point of zero charge$\left(\mathbf{p H}_{\mathbf{p}} \mathbf{z}^{\mathbf{c}}\right)$indicated a shift toward lower values, reflecting the modification of surface charge properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) validated the presence of additional functional groups associated with the grafted ammonium compounds. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) elucidated the thermal behavior and stability of the modified material. Overall, this study presents a renewable and efficient technique for the conversion of natural biomass to highperformance adsorbents for dye removal from aqueous effluents.
Authors: Safia Rezgallah, Aida Kesraoui
Institution: University of Sousse
Language: English
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7203607831