Synthesis and functional mechanism evaluation of novel polymer-graphene oxide-biochar nanocomposite for efficient removal of diethyl phthalate

Phthalates, categorized as a main constituent of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are present in polymeric products. These substances can enter the environment through several pathways, including improper handling, which leads to their presence in toilet water, floor washings, surface runoff, and landfill leachate. This study focuses on the performance analysis of nanocomposite materials made of polymer (polypyrrole), quasi-metal (graphene oxide), and biochar (from palmyra seed) for the elimination of diethyl phthalates (DEP) from aqueous environments. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to describe the nanocomposite characteristics. The experimental results supported a chemisorption process by agreeing well with the pseudo-second order. The Langmuir isotherm explained the DEP sorption data, which aligned to monolayer DEP adsorption on the nanocomposite surface. With a binding affinity of -13.36 (kcal/mol) and the highest docking score, Diethyl phthalates and graphene oxide interaction is validated. The produced nanocomposite is suggested as a possible alternative for the sorption of DEP. Future applications could benefit from the higher adsorption capacity, and environmental friendliness of nanocomposites.