Thesis Archive
Optimization in the Production of ZVI using Pineapple Peel Extract as a Reducing Agent
Christopher A. Honrade
Lorenzo Nicolas S. Santos
Michael Angelo D. Sevilla
Abstract:
This research study is focused on the production of zero valent iron (ZVI) using pineapple peel extract as reducing agent. Pineapple peels were used because of its abundance in the country resulting in large amounts of pineapple byproducts.
Pineapple peel extract was obtained by microwave-assisted extraction using parameters taken from literature, using a solvent to extract ratio of 50:1 (mL/g), 300W and 5 minutes extraction time. The obtained extract was then concentrated in a rotary evaporator to further increase the concentration of polyphenolic compounds in the extract which is the main component to be used for the ZVI synthesis. Upon synthesis, black precipitates were formed. The percentage yield of ZVI ranges from 1.98-13.38 % based on weight of ZVI product per weight of iron in FeCl3. The percentage yield obtained is relatively small compared to other studies because of low polyphenolic content of the extract.
Based from the results, as the extract to FeCl3 ratio was increased the yield would also increase, implying a great effect on the yield. While as the flow rate is varied, the yield is constant implying an insignificant effect on the yield. There was an observed interaction between the flow rate and the extract to FeCl3 ratio at high flow rates and concentrations. The optimized parameters for the run are an extract to FeCl3 ratio of 3:1 and a flow rate of 10 mL/min., although the yield is not strongly dependent on the flow rate.
The presence of the ZVI was verified by characterizing the synthesized sample using Scanning Electron Microscope, and Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). With these characterization methods, it was confirmed that there is indeed ZVI present in the sample since no fragments corresponding to ferric oxide were detected.
Lastly, the ZVI produced were tested on its ability to remove methylene blue dye from simulated contaminated water. Upon testing, a decrease in absorbance over time was observed which may indicate that ZVI can help in dye removal.
Adviser:
Dr. Cynthia F. Madrazo
Dr. Josephine Q. Borja
Ms. Marylou M. Uy
[email protected]
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