Turning the Properties of Wastes Paper-Derived Cellulose Nanocrystals for Enhanced Erythromycin Adsorption

Year : 2026 | Volume : 16 | Issue : 01 | Page : 1 24
    By

    Abubakar M. Hammari,

  • M. Ibrahim,

  1. Scholar, Department of Chemical Engineering, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B 0248, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria
  2. Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Gombe State University, P.M.B. 127, Tudun Wada, Gombe, Nigeria

Abstract

This study explores the modification, characterization, and adsorption performance of waste paper-derived cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) for the removal of erythromycin from aqueous solutions. CNCs were modified using organic acid, inorganic acid, and base treatments, and their structural changes were evaluated using FTIR, XRD, and BET analysis. FTIR confirmed the introduction of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups in acid-treated CNCs and deprotonation effects in base-treated CNCs. XRD analysis revealed that organic acid modification retained the highest crystallinity index (CI = 82%), followed by base (CI = 78%) and inorganic acid modification (CI = 66%), indicating varying degrees of structural alterations. BET analysis showed that organic acid-modified CNCs exhibited the highest surface area (950.746 m²/g), followed by inorganic acid (700.454 m²/g) and base-modified CNCs (510.750 m²/g), with corresponding pore diameters 10.120 nm. Adsorption studies using organic acid-modified CNCs demonstrated a maximum adsorption capacity (qm) of 48.09 mg/g, as determined by the Sip model (R² = 0.9997, SSE = 3.04 × 10⁻³), which provided the best fit compared to other isotherm models. Kinetics analysis showed that Elovich (R² = 0.9985, SSE = 1.829) and Power Function (R² = 0.9984, SSE = 71.75) models best described the adsorption mechanism. Thermodynamic studies indicated an endothermic (ΔH = 1075.1 J/mol) and spontaneous adsorption process, with Gibbs free energy (ΔG) decreasing from 703.4 J/mol at 303 K to 592.7 J/mol at 333 K, confirming temperature-enhanced adsorption. Reusability studies showed that the modified CNCs retained over 90% efficiency for up to 11 cycles. These findings demonstrate that organic acid-modified CNCs are highly effective for erythromycin adsorption, offering an eco-friendly solution for wastewater treatment.

Keywords: Adsorption efficiency, cellulose nanocrystals, erythromycin removal, waste paper

[This article belongs to Journal of Materials & Metallurgical Engineering ]

How to cite this article:
Abubakar M. Hammari, M. Ibrahim. Turning the Properties of Wastes Paper-Derived Cellulose Nanocrystals for Enhanced Erythromycin Adsorption. Journal of Materials & Metallurgical Engineering. 2025; 16(01):1-24.
How to cite this URL:
Abubakar M. Hammari, M. Ibrahim. Turning the Properties of Wastes Paper-Derived Cellulose Nanocrystals for Enhanced Erythromycin Adsorption. Journal of Materials & Metallurgical Engineering. 2025; 16(01):1-24. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jomme/article=2025/view=237928


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 16
Issue 01
Received 04/12/2025
Accepted 25/12/2025
Published 30/03/2025
Publication Time -249 Days
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